TD Wilma nearly stationary as it holds strength near Eastern Samar

MANILA (December 6) – Tropical Depression Wilma maintained its strength on Saturday while remaining nearly stationary, according to PAGASA’s 2 p.m. advisory.

The weather bureau located Wilma’s center over the coastal waters of Sulat, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts reaching 55 kph. The storm is expected to move westward, with a possible landfall over Eastern Visayas or Northern Samar within hours.

Wilma is forecast to cross the Visayas until Sunday, emerge over the Sulu Sea, and potentially pass near northern Palawan by Monday morning. It is likely to stay a tropical depression throughout its track, though PAGASA noted it could weaken into a remnant low due to dry intrusion from the northeast monsoon.

TCWS No. 1 remains raised over areas in Sorsogon, Masbate, Romblon, parts of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, northern Palawan, as well as Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, large portions of Leyte, northern and central Cebu, parts of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique including Caluya Islands.