PAGASA satellite image, 9 p.m., 24 Sept. 2009

Tropical Depression “Ondoy” has maintained its strength Thursday evening and now nears the eastern part of Luzon island as storm signals have now been raised.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA), in its 11 p.m. bulletin, said “Ondoy” maintains maximum winds of 55 kilometers near the center.

It was located, as of 10 p.m., 290 kilometers east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes and is moving west northwest at 11 kilometers per hour.

Public storm signal number 1 was raised over Aurora, Northern Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes.

PAGASA said Ondoy is expected to be at 140 kilometers north northeast of Virac by Fridau evening and at 50 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora by Saturday evening. By Sunday evening, it is expected to be at 110 kilometers west northwest of Dagupan City, said PAGASA in its bulletin.

PAGASA said ‘Ondoy’ is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and bring occasional rains over Southern Luzon, Bicol region, Quezon, Mindoro, Masbate, Palawan and Visayas.

Rains are also expected over Metro Manila till Sunday.

PAGASA also advised residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes to take all the necessary precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides.