Wind Speed Reaches 45 Knots Impacted by Tropical Depression in North Sulawesi

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said that the tropical depression observed in the east of the Philippines has a maximum wind speed of up to 45 knots.

"In general, the winds in northern Sulawesi are predominantly blowing from the west with an average speed of between 8 - 20 knots," said the Coordinator for Observation and Information of the Bitung Maritime Meteorological Station, Ricky D Aror, quoted by Antara.

He said the highest wind speed could occur in the eastern part of the Sulawesi Sea to the waters of North Nusa and the Maluku Sea.

"This condition can increase the height of the waves in the area," he said.

Ricky said, waves between 1.25 - 2.5 meters (medium) are likely to occur in the waters of North Minahasa Regency, the waters of the Siau-Tagulandang-Biaro Islands Regency (Sitaro)

Similar wave heights are also expected in the waters of Sangihe Islands Regency and the waters of Talaud Islands Regency.

"We hope residents will pay attention to the height of the waves for shipping safety," said Ricky.

The BMKG Maritime Meteorology Station in Bitung, he said, issued an early warning of high waves until January 19, 2026.