PAGASA has issued a warning that Tropical Depression Verbena could intensify into a severe tropical storm at its peak, particularly when it moves over the middle of the West Philippine Sea.
As of the latest bulletin, Verbena was packing sustained winds of 45–55 kph. While it may not reach tropical storm strength before making its first landfall in northeastern Mindanao, forecasters expect it to strengthen once it re-enters open waters.
Authorities have raised Signal No. 1 over numerous areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with estimates of 100–200 millimeters in affected regions. This raises risks of flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous or low-lying communities.
Besides wind, the combination of rainfall from Verbena and the northeast monsoon is a major concern for disaster management officials.