'Crising' intensifies slightly; wind signal No. 1 now up in parts of Northern Luzon

Tropical Depression 'Crising' as of 11:00 p.m. on July 16, 2025. Handout/PAGASA

MANILA -- Tropical Depression Crising has intensified slightly as it moves northwestward over the sea east of Bicol region, the state weather bureau said Wednesday night.

As of 10:00 p.m., the center of Crising was located 615 km east of Virac, Catanduanes, PAGASA said in its bulletin.

It slightly intensified now with sustained winds of 55 kph with gusts up to 70 kph. It is moving northwestward at 10 kph.

The disturbance will continuously intensify while moving northwestward and reach severe tropical storm strength.

#WalangPasok: Class suspensions on Thursday, July 17

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is now in effect in some areas of Northern Luzon in anticipation of the Crising's approach before the weekend.

-- The southeastern portion of Cagayan (Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca)

-- The eastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Dinapigue, San Pablo, Tumauini, Ilagan City, San Mariano, San Guillermo, Benito Soliven, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, Naguilian, City of Cauayan, Angadanan, Gamu, Cabagan, Reina Mercedes)

-- The northeastern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)

-- The northeastern portion of Quirino (Maddela)

Crising may further intensify up to typhoon category before making landfall or passing very close to mainland Cagayan or Babuyan Islands late Friday or early Saturday.

Crising may exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday afternoon or evening.

The track and intensity forecast of TD 'Crising' as of 11:00 p.m. on July 16, 2025. Handout/PAGASA

The storm is enhancing the southwest monsoon or Habagat, which will bring significant rainfall over Southern and Central Luzon including Metro Manila, Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

On Friday and Saturday, the rain bands will also dump heavy to intense rains over Northern Luzon.

The public is advised to take precautionary measures as the forecast prolonged heavy rains may lead to serious and widespread flooding and landslides in Luzon and Visayas.