PH might soon have irst tropical cyclone of 2019

MANILA – The low pressure area (LPA) right outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) that was bringing rain to Mindanao already dissipated on Saturday, January 12, but another LPA has been spotted.

In a briefing past 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the new LPA is 3,400 kilometers east of Mindanao, still outside PAR.

This LPA is likely to become a tropical depression within the next three days, according to PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja.

It might enter PAR either on Thursday,

January 17, or Friday,

January 18.

If this forecast is maintained, the LPA would become the country's first tropical cyclone for 2019 and would be given the local name "Amang."

The Philippines gets an average of 20 tropical cyclones per year. The forecast for January is zero to one tropical cyclone.

Though the LPA is not yet directly affecting the country, its trough or extension will already bring some rain.

Mindanao had scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms yesterday. The rain, ranging from light to heavy, might trigger flash floods and landslides.