LPA outside PAR intensifies into tropical depression

The low pressure area being monitored by the state weather bureau over the Marianas Islands has intensified into a tropical depression as it neared the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

The tropical depression will be locally named “Nonoy” when it enters PAR on Saturday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said on Friday.

READ: Pagasa: LPA nears PAR; landfall in E. Visayas, Bicol possible

The weather disturbance was last observed 1,440 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center. It moved west northwest at 20 kph.

This weather disturbance is expected to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over Eastern section of Southern Luzon and Visayas areas beginning Sunday as it continues to approach Eastern Visayas-Bicol region area, Pagasa said.

Flashfloods and landslides are also possible from the tropical depression. CDG