LPA turns into tropical depression, to bring rain in parts of PH–Pagasa

MTSAT ENHANCED-IR Satellite Image 11:32 a.m., 28 July 2012

MANILA, Philippines — An active low pressure area in eastern Philippines has turned into a tropical depression, packing strong winds and bringing rains over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the state weather bureau said on Saturday.

As of 10 a.m., the center of Tropical Depression “Gener” was observed 250 kilometers east of Virac in Catanduanes in the East Philippine Sea, but no public storm warning signal has been raised, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, Gener, “is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring rains over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao especially the western section,” Pagasa said in its latest bulletin.

The bureau alerted residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas in Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao against possible flash floods and landslides.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 10-25 mm per hour (heavy – intense) within the 400 kilometer diameter of the tropical depression, Pagasa said.

Fishing boats and other small sea crafts were advised not to venture out into the seaboards of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao due to the combined effect of Gener and the Southwest Monsoon.

Gener is moving north to northwest at 15 kph.

By Sunday morning it is expected to be located 310 km east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, by Monday morning 460 km north northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, and Tuesday morning 380 km north northeast of Basso, Batanes, Pagasa said.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned were advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11 p.m. Saturday.