Tropical storm seen to make landfall by Christmas Eve

MANILA, Philippines — The tropical storm outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is seen to make landfall over parts of Visayas and Mindanao by Christmas Eve, December 24, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported Sunday afternoon.

The state weather bureau said Tropical Storm Phanfone (international name) was last spotted 1,265 kilometers east of Mindanao.

It is expected to enter PAR on Sunday night or Monday morning and is projected to make landfall in Eastern Visayas or Caraga area by night of November 24.

Once the tropical storm enters PAR, it will be named “Ursula”, the 21st storm to enter the country.

In the next 24 hours, Pagasa said the weather will be generally fair weather in large portion of Luzon and Visayas, including Metro Manila with isolated rainshowers in the afternoon or evening due to easterlies.

Meanwhile, Phanfone’s trough will bring cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers over Mindanao.

The low pressure area (LPA) south southwest of Davao City has also dissipated, Pagasa said.