Southwest monsoon to bring rains over several northern provinces as LPA develops into Tropical Depression Helen

The Low Pressure Area (LPA) west of Calayan, Cagayan has developed into Tropical Depression Helen, PAGASA reported in a Sever Weather Bulletin issued late Monday evening.

Helen is forecast to move generally westward over the Luzon Sea and is likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tomorrow early morning.

A slight turn to northwestward is expected tomorrow evening.

The Tropical Depression is forecast to make landfall over Guangdong Province in southern China on Wednesday evening.

Helen developed into a tropical depression at 8 p.m. on Monday and additional intensification is likely over the next two days.

Helen is also forecast to reach tropical storm category on Tuesday evening.

No tropical cyclone wind signal will be raised as of posting.

The center of Tropical Depression Helen was estimated based on all available data at 240 kilometers eest of Calayan, Cagayan packing Maximum winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph and moving westward at 25 kph.

On Monday evening to Tuesday morning, the southwest monsoon will bring scattered light to moderate with at times heavy rains over Batanes, Ilocos Region, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Flooding and rain-induced landslide may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.

The public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to monitor the Rainfall/Thunderstorm Advisories and Heavy Rainfall Warnings from PAGASA Regional Services Divisions and take appropriate measures.

As of 10 pm on Monday, another LPA was estimated based on all available data at 240 kilometers east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. This LPA is less likely to develop into a tropical depression in the next 48 hours.

On Tuesday evening, Helen is estimated to be 390 km west northwest of Basco, Batanes outside PAR.

The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next update to be incorporated in the 4 AM Public Weather Forecast and in the next Severe Weather Bulletin to be issued at 11 AM tomorrow or earlier. -- BAP, GMA News