Update: LPA Intensifies into TD named Egay

(PNA) — The low pressure area inside the Philippine Area of Responsiblity (PAR) has intensified into tropical depression locally named “Egay”, the fourth tropical cyclone to affect the country this year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said that as of 10 a.m. tropical depression Egay was located at 520 km East of Virac, Catanduanes (13.8°N, 129.1°E) packed with maximum winds of 45 kph near the center. It is Forecast to move North Northwest at 5 kph.

He said tropical depression Ehay has slim chance to make landfall and also is not directly affecting the country as no public storm warning signal has been raise in any part of the country.

However, Perez noted that with the presence of tropical depression Egay, it will enhance the west monsoon that will induce rains in Visayas and Mindanao.

The estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 300 km diameter of the tropical depression.

Fisherfolk are advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.

With continues movement at north northwest at 5 kph, Perez expects the tropical depression will stay longer inside the country due to its slow movement.

Tropical depression Egay is expected to be at 485 km East of Virac, Catanduanes by Friday morning.

By Saturday morning is forecast to be at 650 km East of Casiguran, Aurora and be at 640 km East of Tuguegarao City by Sunday morning.

By Monday morning is expected to be at 570 km East of Tuguegarao City and be at 530 km East of Calayan, Cagayan by Tuesday morning.

Perez said the weather bureau continues monitoring the tropical storm with international name Chan-Hom and the other LPA outside the PAR.

He said that either the tropical storm or LPA will enter the country next week but will not affect directly the country and will also enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring rains in the country.

He said the track of the tropical storm will be upward and will exit as soon as it enters PAR and not expected to make landfall but will enhance the southwest monsoon. (PNA) CTB/CLTC