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Advocates Philippines
Ester Holds Strength Near Taiwan As Batanes Remains Under Wind Signal No. 1
Photo credit: DOST_Pagasa
Tropical Depression Ester continues to maintain its strength as it moves across southern Taiwan, while parts of Northern Luzon remain under tropical cyclone wind signals, according to the latest bulletin from PAGASA.
As of 10 a.m. Friday, the center of Ester was estimated about 230 kilometers north-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. The weather disturbance was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 55 kph, and was moving northeastward at 15 kph.
PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect over Batanes, where residents may experience strong winds that could pose a minimal to minor threat to life and property.
Although Ester is no longer directly over Philippine territory, the tropical depression and the southwest monsoon continue to influence weather conditions across several parts of the country.
Forecasters warned that strong to gale-force gusts may affect the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and parts of Mindoro today. Similar conditions are expected to persist in several northern and western areas through the weekend.
At sea, rough conditions remain a concern, particularly along the western seaboard of Batanes, where waves could reach as high as four meters. Rough to moderate seas are also expected in coastal waters facing the West Philippine Sea, including parts of Ilocos Norte, Babuyan Islands, Pangasinan, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, and Occidental Mindoro.
PAGASA advised small fishing boats, motor bancas, and other light vessels to avoid venturing out to sea in affected areas due to hazardous marine conditions.
Looking ahead, Ester is expected to continue tracking northeastward across Taiwan before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning. Afterward, the cyclone is forecast to move toward the East China Sea and eventually head in the direction of southern Japan.
Weather experts also noted that Ester could gradually intensify after leaving Taiwan and may develop into a tropical storm by Friday while over the East China Sea.
PAGASA reminded the public that heavy rains, strong winds, and other weather-related hazards may still be experienced outside the cyclone's forecast track. Residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone communities are urged to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities should evacuation become necessary.
The state weather bureau is expected to release its next tropical cyclone bulletin later in the day as authorities continue to monitor Ester's movement and potential impacts.
As of 10 a.m. Friday, the center of Ester was estimated about 230 kilometers north-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. The weather disturbance was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 55 kph, and was moving northeastward at 15 kph.
PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect over Batanes, where residents may experience strong winds that could pose a minimal to minor threat to life and property.
Although Ester is no longer directly over Philippine territory, the tropical depression and the southwest monsoon continue to influence weather conditions across several parts of the country.
Forecasters warned that strong to gale-force gusts may affect the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and parts of Mindoro today. Similar conditions are expected to persist in several northern and western areas through the weekend.
At sea, rough conditions remain a concern, particularly along the western seaboard of Batanes, where waves could reach as high as four meters. Rough to moderate seas are also expected in coastal waters facing the West Philippine Sea, including parts of Ilocos Norte, Babuyan Islands, Pangasinan, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, and Occidental Mindoro.
PAGASA advised small fishing boats, motor bancas, and other light vessels to avoid venturing out to sea in affected areas due to hazardous marine conditions.
Looking ahead, Ester is expected to continue tracking northeastward across Taiwan before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning. Afterward, the cyclone is forecast to move toward the East China Sea and eventually head in the direction of southern Japan.
Weather experts also noted that Ester could gradually intensify after leaving Taiwan and may develop into a tropical storm by Friday while over the East China Sea.
PAGASA reminded the public that heavy rains, strong winds, and other weather-related hazards may still be experienced outside the cyclone's forecast track. Residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone communities are urged to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities should evacuation become necessary.
The state weather bureau is expected to release its next tropical cyclone bulletin later in the day as authorities continue to monitor Ester's movement and potential impacts.
Jun 5, 2026
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