'Caloy' slows down; storm alert still up in 16 provinces

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical depression "Caloy" again slowed down, but maintained its strength as it moved closer Surigao provinces, early Saturday.

As of 4 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) spotted Caloy at 150 kilometers east of Surigao City.

It was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and was forecast to move west "slowly."

It was forecast to move closer to Surigao City by Sunday morning and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan by Monday morning.

Public storm warning signal No. 1 remains hoisted over 16 provinces in Visayas and Mindanao:

Southern Leyte

Bohol

Siquijor

Cebu

Negros Provinces

Guimaras

Iloilo

Antique

Surigao del Sur

Surigao del Norte including Siargao

Dinagat

Northern Agusan del Sur

Agusan del Norte

Bukidnon

Misamis Oriental

Camiguin

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PAGASA said the estimated rainfall within the 300-kilometer of the cyclone was 5 to 15 millimeter or moderate to heavy.

"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Luzon and of Visayas due to the Northeast Monsoon," the weather bureau warned.

Source: philstar.com - Nation