Tropical depression “Salome” maintained its strength Wednesday while remaining nearly stationary near Batanes, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, the center of Salome was located approximately 255 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 70 kph.

The state weather bureau forecasts Salome to move slowly southwestward, with a possibility of passing close to or making landfall over Batanes by Wednesday night or early Thursday.

The storm is then expected to track near the Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte before potentially exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday. PAGASA noted that a slight intensification into a tropical storm is not ruled out.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes, the western Babuyan Islands, and the northwestern part of Ilocos Norte.

PAGASA also issued a Gale Warning for the seaboards of Extreme Northern Luzon, warning of “very rough seas” reaching up to 4.5 meters off Batanes and four meters off Ilocos Norte and the Babuyan Islands. Mariners of small vessels are advised to remain in port.

Moderate to rough seas are expected along the coasts of Isabela, La Union, Zambales and the Kalayaan Islands. Additionally, strong to gale-force gusts may affect coastal and upland areas of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Batanes through Friday. Residents in Northern Luzon are urged to take precautions against possible flooding and heed local advisories.