LPA east of Bicol may develop into cyclone
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is closely monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) east of Bicol Region, as it may develop into a tropical cyclone and make landfall over Northern Luzon this week.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said the LPA has entered the country’s area of responsibility around 6 a.m. Monday and was estimated 1,100 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes before noon.
It will likely develop into a tropical depression by Wednesday and will be named “Ramon.” It will be the second cyclone this month and the 18th this year.
Should it maintain its current track, the weather disturbance will make landfall over Northern Luzon towards the end of the week, Estareja said.
PAGASA however is not ruling out a possible cyclone recurvature or change in track.
For now, Estareja said the trough or extension of the LPA has started to bring light to moderate rains in Aurora, Quezon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will continue to experience fair weather in the morning with chances of rain showers due to thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
As the weather disturbance moves closer, Estareja said more areas in Luzon and Visayas could expect more rains in the coming days.
Areas in the center of the brewing cyclone will likely experience moderate to occasional heavy rains, while those within the outer circulation may have light to moderate rains, he added.
The entire country should remain alert for possible flash floods in low-lying areas or landslides in mountainous regions during severe thunderstorms.
Estareja said that if the LPA does not change its course, it may bring rains over Central Luzon, particularly in Bulacan province where the Angat Dam is located.