Tropical depression ‘Pedring’ nears Philippines

MANILA, Philippines—A low pressure area in the Pacific Ocean has intensified into a tropical depression and will likely affect the Philippines, the state weather bureau said Friday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said the storm could enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday. It will be named “Pedring.”

As of 2 p.m. Friday, the tropical weather disturbance was spotted 1,310 km east of Visayas moving northwest and packing maximum winds of 55 kph.

“It is expected to intensify while at sea,” said Pagasa forecaster Ricky Fabregas.

Fabregas said eastern Luzon and Visayas would be the first to feel the effects of the storm.

If it continues to move in the same direction, it might also hit Northern Luzon, he added.

Pagasa said Filipinos should be prepared for rains in the next few days.