MANILA – Tropical Depression Wilma has picked up pace, accelerating slightly westward at 15 kph while holding steady in intensity, as it bears down on Eastern Visayas with a projected landfall on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Wind Signal No. 1 over 27 localities early Friday, warning of minimal to minor threats from winds of 39 to 61 kph and intermittent rains that could trigger flash floods or landslides in vulnerable spots.
As of PAGASA’s 5 a.m. bulletin, Wilma was swirling 70 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gusts up to 55 kph. Forecasters expect the system to remain a tropical depression throughout the weekend, with no immediate intensification in sight, though its outer bands could still pack a punch for eastern shores. “Wilma is moving faster now, but its strength hasn’t changed – expect scattered to widespread rains in the path,” said PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina, urging coastal communities to brace for rough seas and low-lying areas to steer clear of flood-prone zones.
Areas Under Signal No. 1
The signal blankets regions from Luzon to Mindanao, where gusty conditions and showers pose low-level risks to life and property. Here’s the breakdown:
Luzon:
- Sorsogon
- Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands)
- Romblon
- Southern portion of Oriental Mindoro (Bulalacao, Mansalay, Roxas, Bongabong)
- Southern portion of Occidental Mindoro (Magsaysay, San Jose, Rizal, Calintaan)
- Northernmost portion of Palawan (Aracelli, Dumaran, El Nido, Taytay), including Cuyo, Cagayancillo, and Calamian Islands
Visayas:
- Northern Samar
- Eastern Samar
- Samar
- Biliran
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
- Cebu (northern and central portions: Daanbantayan, Medellin, Bogo City, 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, Naga City, Minglanilla, Talisay City, Aloguinsan, Carcar City, Sibonga, Barili), including Bantayan and Camotes Islands
- Bohol
- Negros Occidental
- Siquijor
- Northern and central Negros Oriental (Guihulngan City, Canlaon City, Vallehermoso, La Libertad, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon, Bindoy, Manjuyod, Amlan, San Jose, Dumaguete City, Valencia, Sibulan, Bacong, Mabinay, Bayawan City, Basay)
- Guimaras
- Iloilo
- Capiz
- Aklan
- Antique
Mindanao:
- Surigao del Norte (including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands)
- Dinagat Islands
- Northern portion of Surigao del Sur (Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza)
- Northern portion of Agusan del Norte (Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago, Tubay, Cabadbaran City, Remedios T. Romualdez, Magallanes)
- Camiguin
Forecast and Potential Impacts
Wilma is barreling west-southwestward at 15 kph, on track for initial landfall over Eastern Visayas between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. While it won’t pack cyclone-force winds, expect heavy to intense rainfall – up to 100-200 mm in 24 hours – across the signal areas, heightening risks of flash floods in lowlands and landslides in slopes. The northeast monsoon (amihan) will fan the flames, whipping up strong to gale-force gusts over Luzon, Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula through the weekend.
Badrina kept it real: “Even as a depression, Wilma’s rains can be sneaky – stay indoors if you’re in the east, and monitor rivers closely.” No gale warnings are up, but mariners in eastern seaboards should batten down for moderate to rough seas. Temperatures? Mild at 24-32°C nationwide, but the wet welcome could chill holiday plans.
For Pinoys plotting Simbang Gabi or province dashes, Badrina’s advice is simple: Pack ponchos, heed evac orders, and keep apps locked on PAGASA. In a season of lights and longing, Wilma’s whisper is a gentle nudge – stay safe, so the cheer can flow unhindered.