Rainy opening of classes as LPA in N. Luzon develops into TD ‘Florita’
The resumption of face-toface (F2F) classes on Monday, Aug. 22, will likely be rainy as the low pressure area (LPA) monitored in Northern Luzon eventually developed into a tropical depression (TD) now called “Florita,” the sixth tropical cyclone to enter the country.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Florita developed into a tropical depression at 8 a.m. Sunday, August 21, and was last spotted at 660 km east of Tuguegarao City.
It is forecast to reach tropical storm category in the next 36 hours and may reach peak intensity of 75 km/h, Pagasa stated.
According to the state weather bureau, TD Florita is forecast to decelerate generally southwestward in the next 12 hours before turning westward on Monday towards Northern Luzon.
It is forecast to make landfall in the vicinity of Cagayan or northern portion of Isabela on Tuesday morning, August 23, or afternoon.
“Hindi natin tinatangggal ang posibilidad ng nasabing bagyo na maglandfall sa Northern Luzon area at magdala ng pag-ulan sa Central Luzon (We are not discounting the possibility that the said tropical depression will make landfall over Northern Luzon area and bring rains in Central Luzon),” said Daniel Villamil, Pagasa weather specialist, in a radio interview over dzBB.
Villamil said the effects of TD Florita will be experienced beginning Monday in parts of Luzon, coinciding with the opening of in-person classes.
“May nakikita rin tayong posibilidad ng enhancement o pag-iral ng hanging habagat sa mga susunod na araw sa malaking bahagi ng Visayas area (We are also looking at the possibility of an enhancement of southwest monsoon in a large portion of Visayas in the coming days),” he added.
Pagasa warned that scattered to widespread flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in areas that are highly susceptible to these hazards.
TD Florita will move west northwestward and cross several provinces in Northern Luzon before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by Tuesday evening or early morning Wednesday.