LPA outside PAR becomes tropical depression; Habagat brings heavy rain to MIMAROPA

A low pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility has intensified into a tropical depression, PAGASA said late Sunday evening.

In its 11 p.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, the state weather bureau said that as of 10 p.m., the center of the tropical depression was estimated to be 2,165 km east of southeastern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and strong winds extending outwards to as much as 280 km from the center. 

It is forecast to move east-northeast over the next 12 hours, then will turn to move north-northwest to northwest beginning Monday evening until Tuesday evening.

It is expected to intensify into a tropical storm Monday afternoon or evening; enter PAR Tuesday evening; and exit PAR Wednesday morning. 

"Current track scenario shows that the Tropical Depression will not directly affect any part of the country throughout the forecast period," PAGASA added.

Mimaropa rains

In a separate 11 p.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat is expected to continue bringing in heavy to intense rains to the MIMAROPA region on Monday.

Moderate to heavy rains or 100 to 200 millimeters in rainfall are expected in the northern portion of Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Aklan, Antique, and Negros Occidental until Monday evening.

Monday classes have been suspended in several areas including Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and the Negros Island Region.

Moderate to heavy rains or 50 to 100 millimeters are projected in Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, the rest of MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and the rest of Negros Island.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, and Isabela.

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA said.

PAGASA also advised the public and disaster risk reduction management offices to take the necessary measures to protect life and property. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News