As Siony no longer has effect on PH, Pagasa shifts focus on fast-moving LPA

MANILA, Philippines — After Severe Tropical Storm Siony ceased to have a direct effect on the country’s weather systems, state meteorologists are now turning their attention to the low pressure area (LPA) moving quickly towards the Visayas.

The severe weather bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Friday night said that the LPA was last spotted 706 kilometers east of Surigao City.

While it has yet to intensify as a tropical depression, satellite images shared by Pagasa showed the LPA carrying thick cloud bands, which can bring rains over the Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao.

It is seen to move in a west northwest pattern, and become a tropical depression within 48 hours.

If the LPA transitions as Tropical Depression Tonyo, Pagasa said that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 will be raised over areas it may affect.  While the LPA is seen to directly hit Eastern Visayas, Pagasa warned that other areas as far as Davao and Bicol Region may also feel the effect of the weather disturbance.

This comes just a week after Super Typhoon Rolly devastated various provinces in Bicol and Southern Luzon.  Then by Sunday, the LPA may start bringing winds and rains to as far as Cagayan Valley.

Pagasa warned areas affected by the subsequent cyclones — from Pepito, Quinta, Rolly and Siony — that landslides may be imminent especially in areas where soil erosion is highly probable.

Meanwhile, Siony was able to maintain its strength of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 115 kph, as it is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) early Saturday morning.

Siony is still seen to maintain its strength in the next 24 hours, but may dissipate in the coming days as cold winds from the northeasterly surface windflow will make conditions unfavorable for the storm.

JPV