LPA off Catanduanes intensifies to tropical depression ’Ramon’

MANILA, Philippines — The low-pressure area spotted east of Virac, Catanduanes has developed into tropical depression “Ramon,” the state weather bureau said Tuesday.

In an advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) said that “Ramon” intensified at 8 a.m.

At 8:00 AM today, the Low Pressure Area east of Virac, Catanduanes has developed into Tropical Depression "#RamonPH". Severe Weather Bulletins will be issued starting at 11:00 AM today. pic.twitter.com/Q1XWECaP1c

— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) November 12, 2019

“At 8:00 AM today, the Low Pressure Area east of Virac, Catanduanes has developed into Tropical Depression ‘#RamonPH,’” the advisory read.

According to Pagasa’s 11 a.m. weather update, “Ramon” is expected to intensify further into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours.

Ramon was last spotted 835 kilometers east-southeast of Virac or 685 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

The tropical depression is packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Pagasa added that “Ramon” was moving west at 10 kph.

The Bicol Region, Samar Provinces, Romblon, Marinduque and Southern Quezon may experience light to moderate with occasional heavy rains on Wednesday.

On Thursday, light to moderate with occasional heavy rains may be experienced over Isabela, Quirino, Northern Aurora, Polillo Island, and Camarines Norte due to Ramon.

Light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains, meanwhile,  may affect Aklan, Capiz, Romblon, Marinduque, Southern Quezon and the rest of Bicol Region on Thursday. /jpv