Tropical Depression Obet now maintains its strength as it moves westward over the Philippine Sea East of Extreme Northern Luzon. The center of Tropical Depression “OBET” was estimated based on all available data at 745 km East of Basco, Batanes (20.9°N, 129.1°E).

Tropical Depression Obet has maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and a central pressure of 1004 hPa.

Tomorrow early morning through Saturday morning: Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains possible over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and the northern portion of mainland Cagayan. Light to moderate with at times heavy rains possible over the northern portion of Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, and the rest of mainland Cagayan.

OBET is forecast to gradually intensify and may reach the tropical storm category by tomorrow evening or on Saturday early morning.

According to PAGASA, “Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are 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.”