TD ‘Luis’ Enters PHL, Rainy Weekend Expected

Manila (PNA) — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Friday that tropical depression “Luis” has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the second cyclone to visit the country this month and the 12th for this year.

Every year, an average of 18 to 20 storms affect the Philippines, according to PAGASA.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Meno Mendoza said that as of 4 a.m. tropical depression “Luis” was located at 1,050 km east of Virac, Catanduanes (14.0ºN, 135.0ºE) with maximum winds of 45 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 30 kph.

With its speed and movement, Mendoza said tropical depression Luis is expected to make landfall in Northern Luzon by Sunday evening or Monday morning.

He added since it is still in the sea, the tropical depression is expected to intensify into tropical storm category.

So far no public storm warning signal has been raised since the tropical depression i still far.

However, Mendoza said due to cloud bands of tropical depression Luis it will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms over Visayas, Mindanao and Bicol Region on Friday.

The rest of the country, on the other hand, will continue to have partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies with possible rainshowers mostly in the afternoon or evening due to localized thunderstorms.

Mendoza noted expect rainy weather on weekend as tropical depression Luis approaches the country.

In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the southwest to west will prevail over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to occasionally rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from southwest to south with slight to moderate seas.

It added that no gale warning issued which makes sea travel safe for fisherfolk and small seacraft. (PNA) JBP/CLTC