MANILA – Tropical Depression Wilma showed no signs of weakening on Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, maintaining its intensity as it churned 480 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, according to the latest update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). With maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts up to 55 kph, the system is drifting west-southwestward at 15 kph, prompting warnings of intermittent rains across affected regions and a potential landfall as early as Friday evening.
Areas Under Signal No. 1
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over 14 localities, where winds of 39 to 61 kph and occasional rains are expected within the next 36 hours. The warning covers:
Luzon:
- Southern portion of mainland Masbate (Cataingan, Pio V. Corpuz, Esperanza, Placer)
Visayas:
- Northern Samar
- Eastern Samar
- Samar
- Biliran
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
- Northern and central portions of Cebu (Daanbantayan, Medellin, City of Bogo, San Remigio, Tabogon, Borbon, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Sogod, Catmon, Asturias, Carmen, Danao City, Balamban, Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Cordova, Lapu-Lapu City, Toledo City, Pinamungahan, San Fernando, City of Naga, Minglanilla, City of Talisay, Aloguinsan, City of Carcar, Sibonga, Barili), including Bantayan and Camotes Islands
- Bohol
- Eastern portion of Negros Occidental (Sagay City, City of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava)
Mindanao:
- Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands
- Dinagat Islands
- Northern portion of Surigao del Sur (Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen)
- Northern portion of Agusan del Norte (Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago, Tubay, City of Cabadbaran)
Expected Impacts and Risks
Residents in these areas should brace for intermittent rains, which could lead to flash floods or landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous terrains. PAGASA emphasized monitoring local updates, as the system poses moderate risks despite its depression status.
Forecast and Track
Wilma is projected to make initial landfall over Eastern Visayas or the Dinagat Islands between Friday evening and Saturday morning. It is expected to remain a tropical depression throughout the forecast period, with no significant intensification anticipated. The system poses no immediate threat to the rest of the country but could enhance monsoon rains in the east.
PAGASA forecaster Obet Badrina advised: “Stay vigilant, especially if you’re in vulnerable spots – flash floods don’t send warnings.” No gale warnings are in effect, but rough seas may impact eastern seaboard mariners.
As the holiday season approaches, this early tropical visitor serves as a reminder to keep emergency kits handy and follow advisories. For the latest, tune into PAGASA’s updates.