Tropical depression ‘Usman’ enters PAR — Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical depression “Usman” has entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday afternoon.

The low pressure area (LPA) developed into a tropical cyclone before its entry to PAR, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Usman, last spotted 945 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph, according to Pagasa.

The state weather bureau also said Usman is seen to intensify into a tropical storm before its projected landfall over Eastern Samar on Friday, December 28.

Meantime, moderate to heavy rains due to the tropical cyclone will be felt over Eastern Visayas, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands starting Wednesday evening or Thursday.

Storm signals may also likely be raised over Eastern Visayas or Northern Caraga starting Wednesday, Pagasa said.

Usman is expected to leave PAR by Saturday or Sunday. /kga