By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise on Wednesday, many residents across Northern and Central Luzon woke to dark skies and stronger winds as Tropical Storm Verbena continued to move west-northwest over the Philippine Sea. For families in low-lying and coastal areas, the familiar worry returned: rising water, landslides, and the risk of being cut off from their communities.
According to the 5:00 a.m. update from weather authorities, Verbena was located about 130 kilometers west of Coron, Palawan. The storm carried maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 105 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 25 kph, pushing rainclouds toward several provinces in Luzon.
PAGASA said a shear line continued to affect the eastern portions of Northern and Central Luzon, while the northeast monsoon brought cooler, moisture-filled winds to the rest of the region. These weather systems, combined with the circulation of Verbena, were expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the day.
Local governments warned that continuous rains could trigger flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous communities and areas that have experienced soil saturation over the past week. Emergency teams in Luzon and Palawan were placed on alert to assist families in case evacuations became necessary.
Weather disruptions were also expected in parts of the Visayas due to the storm’s outer rainbands. Fisherfolk were advised to avoid venturing into rough seas, as moderate to strong winds were expected to create dangerous waves near and around the storm’s path.
The country experiences several storms as the year closes, and many communities remain vulnerable due to earlier flooding and damage from previous weather events. Authorities reminded the public to monitor official forecasts and stay prepared with emergency supplies.
Verbena’s movement over the West Philippine Sea will continue to influence weather patterns in the coming days. PAGASA will issue regular bulletins to guide local governments and the public on possible hazards.
As families navigate another round of bad weather, officials urged everyone to prioritize safety, stay updated, and look out for neighbors who may need help, especially the elderly and those living in high-risk areas.
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