LPA outside PAR now a tropical depression

The low-pressure area being monitored by PAGASA has developed into a tropical depression, the state weather bureau said late Sunday evening.

In a tropical cyclone advisory, PAGASA said that as of 10 p.m. Sunday, the center of the tropical depression was estimated to be 1,255 km east of southeastern Luzon and moving west at 30 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.

It is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Monday morning, and intensify into a tropical storm over the next 12 hours.

"It may reach severe tropical storm category by Tuesday afternoon or evening and typhoon category by Thursday (24 October) afternoon or evening," said PAGASA, adding that it may make landfall over northeastern Cagayan by Friday evening.

When it enters PAR, the tropical depression will be given the name Kristine. — BM, GMA Integrated News