LPA now a tropical depression, signal No.1 up in Luzon, Visayas

Project NOAH MSAT images as of 12:01AM, January 12, 2013. Photo from https://noah.dost.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines—Storm signal No.1 was raised in parts of Luzon and Visayas as low pressure area located east of Surigao City intensified into tropical depression “Bising,” the state weather bureau said Friday night.

Signal No. 1 was hoisted in Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Northern, Western and Eastern Samar, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

“Bising” was last spotted 170 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and packed maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center.

It was seen to move northwest at 19 kph.

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under Signal No. 1 were alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. It will bring a rainfall amount of 5 – 15 mm per hour (moderate – heavy) within its 300 km diameter.

Fishing boats and other small seacraft were also advised not to venture out into the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon and over the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon and Visayas due to “Bising” and the northeast monsoon.

“Bising” was expected to be at 300 km east of Infanta, Quezon, Saturday evening and at 290 km east of Aparri, Cagayan by Sunday evening. By Monday evening, it is expected to be at 550 km east of Basco, Batanes.

“Bising” is the second tropical cyclone to hit the country this year.

First posted 12:27 am | Saturday, January 12th, 2013