LPA spotted outside PAR, may become tropical depression in next 24 hrs

(Satellite image from Pagasa)

MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) formed outside the Philippine area of Responsibility on Sunday morning, according to the state weather service.

In a Facebook post, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said this LPA has a “high chance” of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

It was last spotted 2,235 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Meanwhile, Severe Tropical Storm Nika (international name: Toraji) undergoes rapid intensification and could reach the typhoon category within the day,

The severe tropical storm was last spotted 690 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon. It carries maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 125 kph.

Nika is moving north-northwestward at 30 kph.