Storm brewing off Mindanao

This satellite image from Pagasa shows the location of tropical depression Auring as of 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

A low pressure area that has been brewing near Mindanao over the past days has developed into the first tropical cyclone for the year.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather forecaster Benison Estareja said the low pressure area developed into Tropical Depression “Auring” as of 10 a.m., located east-southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Estareja said the tropical depression will make possible landfall over Surigao provinces between Sunday evening and Monday early morning, bringing moderate to occasionally heavy rains along its path, forecast to be in the areas of Caraga, Leyte, northern Mindanao, central Visayas, Negros provinces, and Palawan.

As of Saturday, tropical cyclone warning signals had already been hoisted over Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Island Province. Estareja warned of possible flash floods and landslides in these areas.