The Philippine Coast Guard has mobilized its emergency response teams as Tropical Storm "Ada" prompted the raising of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over several areas, including parts of Mindanao. The weather disturbance is bringing the threat of rough seas, powerful winds, and heavy rains to coastal and upland communities.
Coast Guard on Heightened Alert, Maritime Warnings Issued
The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has placed its Duty Response Group on heightened alert status, confirming its full readiness to address any maritime emergencies arising from the storm. The directive was announced on January 16, 2026, as the storm continued to intensify.
Authorities issued a stern warning to fishermen, boat operators, and the general maritime community to exercise extreme caution. Small fishing vessels and motorbancas are strongly advised not to venture out, especially in the eastern seaboards and open waters. In these areas, wave heights could reach a dangerous four meters.
Rescue units across the Southeastern Mindanao region are on standby and fully equipped, with the Coast Guard disseminating its 24/7 emergency hotlines for swift reporting and coordination during incidents.
Storm Details and Forecast Track
As of 11 a.m. on January 16, the state weather bureau PAGASA reported that Tropical Storm Ada was located approximately 485 kilometers east of Surigao City. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 70 km/h, while moving northwest at 20 km/h.
Under Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 9, PAGASA noted Ada had turned more northward over the Philippine Sea east of Eastern Visayas. While the highest wind signal expected is Signal No. 2, areas under Signal No. 1—especially exposed coastal and mountainous communities—may already experience minimal to minor impacts from strong winds.
The combined effects of the Northeast Monsoon and Ada's periphery are forecast to bring strong to gale-force gusts over large portions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In Mindanao, hazardous wind conditions are anticipated in:
- Agusan del Norte
- Surigao del Sur
- Davao Oriental
- Davao Occidental
- Sarangani
Risks of Storm Surge and Rough Seas
PAGASA also warned of a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge in the next 48 hours, with waves up to two meters possible in low-lying coastal areas of Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and the Dinagat Islands. Residents in these zones are urged to stay alert and follow directives from local disaster offices.
Rough to very rough seas are forecast for numerous coastal waters:
Seas up to 4 meters are expected along the eastern and northern seaboards of Catanduanes, Northern Samar, Albay, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte.
Seas up to 3.5 meters may affect Siargao-Bucas Grande, Polillo Islands, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, Aurora, and northern Quezon. Moderate to rough seas are also likely in parts of Davao Oriental and Davao Occidental.
Continued Vigilance Advised
PAGASA emphasized that heavy rainfall and severe winds could still occur outside the storm's projected track, and its path may shift in subsequent advisories. On its current forecast, Ada may pass close to Eastern Samar and Northern Samar, and near Catanduanes from Saturday evening to Sunday. A westward shift could lead to a potential landfall over Eastern Visayas or the Bicol Region.
The storm is expected to maintain tropical storm strength while moving over the seas east of Visayas and Southern Luzon, before possibly weakening into a tropical depression by Tuesday.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, monitor official weather bulletins from PAGASA, and prioritize safety, particularly those living in coastal, low-lying, and flood-prone communities.
