Tropical Depression 'Ester' has developed from a low pressure area near Batanes, according to Pagasa. As of Friday morning, it was located 225 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.
Moving northeast at 20 kilometers per hour, 'Ester' has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 55 kilometers per hour.
The weather bureau clarified that 'Ester' is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines. Instead, it will approach Taiwan's southwestern coast.
Pagasa projected that the tropical depression will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday.
Tropical Depression Ester is forecast to move northeastward and will make landfall over the southwestern coast of Taiwan on Friday.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)
As 'Ester' approaches, signal number one has been raised over Batanes, indicating potential adverse weather conditions.
- Ester has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph.
- The storm is moving towards Taiwan and will exit the PAR on Saturday.