Slightly weaker ‘Obet’ traverses the Balintang Channel — PAGASA

Tropical depression Obet weakened slightly and was over the Balintang Channel Friday evening, Oct. 21, according to the latest bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 11 p.m. bulletin issued on Friday, PAGASA said Obet was last seen off the coast of Basco, Batanes and weakened slightly with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes and Babuyan Islands due to the strong winds from Obet.

Meanwhile, PAGASA has lifted the tropical cyclone wind signal that was hoisted over the northern portion of Cagayan.

“Until tomorrow early morning (Oct. 22), light to moderate with at times heavy rains [are] possible over Batanes and Babuyan Islands,” PAGASA said.

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are still possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities with significant antecedent rainfall,” it added.

PAGASA said Obet may gradually intensify and reach the tropical storm category by Saturday morning.

“On the track forecast, Obet is forecast to track generally westward until tomorrow (Oct. 22) and will exit the Philippine area of responsibility tomorrow morning,” it said.