Low pressure area east of Catanduanes is now Tropical Depression Ramon

The low pressure area (LPA) being monitored inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility has intensified into a tropical depression on Tuesday morning, according to PAGASA.

The weather disturbance, spotted east of Virac, Catanduanes, was named "Ramon" by the state weather bureau.

According to PAGASA's severe weather bulletin released at 11 a.m., the Bicol Region, Samar Provinces, Romblon, Marinduque and Southern Quezon may experience light to moderate with occasional heavy rains on Wednesday.

The same is the forecast for Isabela, Quirino, Northern Aurora, Polillo Island, and Camarines Norte this coming Thursday.

Aklan, Capiz, Romblon, Marinduque, Southern Quezon and the rest of Bicol Region may also experience light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains.

PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over Eastern Samar and  the eastern section of Northern Samar on Tuesday afternoon.

Residents of flood- and landslide-prone areas were advised to take precautionary measures.

The state weather bureau also warned that sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon and Visayas.

As of 10 a.m., Ramon was spotted 835 kilometers east southeast of Virac, Catanduanes or 685 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

It has maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Ramon is moving west at 10 kph and is expected to intensify into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours, PAGASA added. —Dona Magsino/KG, GMA News