Tropical Depression Wilma Stalls Near Eastern Samar, Monsoon Fuels Rainfall Warnings

Tropical Depression Wilma maintained its structure while hovering over coastal waters near Can-avid, Eastern Samar, as of Saturday evening, December 6, 2025. The system exhibited maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching 55 kph, maintaining a nearly stationary position approximately 70 kilometers east of Borongan City, according to the 8 a.m. bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Forecasters initially projected Wilma’s landfall to occur across either Eastern or Northern Samar between the late afternoon and evening hours of Saturday, with the storm path continuing across the Visayas region through Sunday, December 7. A significant factor influencing the system’s trajectory and eventual dissipation is its interaction with the prevailing northeast monsoon, known locally as 'amihan.' This interaction is anticipated to cause the depression to weaken into a remnant low-pressure area as it traverses the islands.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1 (TCWS No. 1) remained in effect for numerous provinces across the Visayas, alongside sections of MIMAROPA and the Bicol Region. PAGASA advisories confirmed that 27 areas were placed under Signal No. 1 as of Saturday morning. These areas, which include Sorsogon, Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands), Romblon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte, face minimal to minor threats from strong winds ranging between 39 to 61 kph.

Compounding the wind threat, heavy to intense rainfall is currently affecting Sorsogon, Masbate, and Romblon, raising concerns for potential flash floods and landslides in areas experiencing prolonged precipitation. PAGASA indicated that Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar could expect rainfall accumulations between 100 to 200 millimeters on Saturday. Furthermore, areas not directly under a wind signal, including most of Luzon and the Zamboanga Peninsula, are still subject to strong to gale-force gusts driven by the concurrent northeast monsoon through Monday, December 8.

Mariners received explicit warnings, with a gale warning issued for the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon, where sea conditions could reach up to five meters, making travel hazardous for all vessels. Wilma's slow, westward movement over the sea east of Eastern Visayas means that its impact, including strong winds extending up to 220 kilometers from its center, is being felt across a wide maritime expanse.

The climate in Can-avid, Eastern Samar, the storm’s approximate location, is generally characterized as hot, windy, and overcast, with December historically representing the month with the most rainfall, averaging 15.0 inches.