LPA to Bring Rains over Visayas, Mindanao, Bicol Region

Expect infrequent heavy rains over the parts of Visayas and Mindanao on Thursday due to low pressure area (LPA) hovering the Eastern Visayas, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA said that as of 4 a.m. the LPA was estimated based on all available data at 390 km east of Borongan, Eastern Samar (11.3ºN, 129.3ºE).

PAGASA weather forecaster Samuel Duran said the LPA has 50-50 chance to intensify into tropical cyclone as the agency continues monitor it.

Once it intensified into tropical cyclone it will be locally name “Florita”, the sixth tropical depression for this year.

Due to the LPA enhancing the southwest monsoon, the Visayas, the regions of Bicol, Caraga and Northern Mindanao will have cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms which may trigger flash floods and landslides.

He said Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), and the rest of Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms.

The rest of Luzon including Metro Manila will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Duran said the LPA which is moving towards Bicol in northwest direction is expected to bring rains in most parts of Luzon including Metro Manila in the coming days.

In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds coming from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the southwest to west will prevail over Visayas and Mindanao with slight to moderate seas. (PNA) JBP/CLTC