LPA off Pacific Ocean changes track, now seen to enter PH after Christmas
MANILA, Philippines — A low pressure area (LPA) off the Pacific Ocean – initially expected to bring rains in parts of Visayas and Mindanao on Christmas Day – is anticipated to enter the Philippine area of responsibility after December 25, based on the new projections of the state weather bureau.
The LPA, which was last spotted 1,350 kilometers east of Mindanao on Wednesday morning, was originally predicted to enter PAR on Wednesday or Thursday and bring rain over the eastern part of Visayas or Mindanao on Christmas Day.
Palawan, and parts of eastern Visayas and Mindanao are still reeling from the onslaught of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai), the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year.
Based on the new track, the LPA, which now has a 60 to 70 percent chance of turning into a tropical cyclone, will enter PAR on December 26 or 27, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said midday Wednesday.
The LPA will be closest to the landmass of Mindanao on the evening of December 29 or early December 30.
Pagasa urged the public to continue monitoring for possible changes in the forecast scenario.
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