Pagasa: LPA develops into Tropical Depression Henry

MANILA, Philippines — The low-pressure area off the West Southwest coast of Abucay, Bataan has intensified into tropical depression (TD) Henry, with three areas over Luzon placed under wind signal number 1, according to the state weather bureau.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather specialist Chenel Dominguez noted during its 5 a.m. weather advisory on Wednesday that wind signal number 1 has been hoisted over the southwestern portion of Zambales, the western portion of Bataan, and Lubang Islands, bringing strong gusts of wind.

Dominguez further said the wind signal is expected to be lifted as Henry exits the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday, June 2.

“So we expect strong gusts of wind, but as soon as Typhoon Henry leaves, we expect the tropical cyclone wind signal to be lifted,” Dominguez said.

The center of TD Henry is moving northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph, according to Pagasa.

READ: Metro Manila, other areas to still see rainy Wednesday

According to Pagasa, Henry is intensifying the southwest monsoon or habagat, which may affect the western portions of the country, bringing occasional rains and thunderstorms. 

Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, and Marinduque may experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to TD Henry.

Rain with gusty winds is also expected to prevail over Zambales and Bataan.

Henry is forecast to develop into a tropical storm as it exits the country on Thursday, according to Pagasa. /das