BAGUIO CITY — Several areas in the Cordillera Administrative Region were placed under tropical cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 on Thursday morning as tropical depression “Kiyapo” approached northern Luzon, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised the storm signal in its 5 a.m. weather bulletin on 23 July.

The signal applies to the entire provinces of Apayao, Abra and Kalinga.

Signal No. 1 is also in effect across eastern and central portions of Mountain Province — including the municipalities of Paracelis, Natonin, Barlig, Sadanga, Bontoc, Besao and Sagada — as well as eastern and central parts of Ifugao, covering Mayoyao, Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Banaue, Hingyon and Lagawe.

Under Signal No. 1, strong winds ranging between 39 and 61 kilometers per hour are expected within 36 hours. PAGASA issues the advance warnings to allow local disaster management units and residents adequate time to prepare.

Weather forecasters reminded the public that tropical cyclone wind signals are based strictly on anticipated wind speeds rather than expected rainfall volume or intensity.