PAGASA: LPA nears Mindanao; rain expected over PHL in next 24 hrs

PAGASA forecasters are tracking a low-pressure area approaching Mindanao, even as the state weather agency on Sunday afternoon predicted rain over parts of the country in the next 24 hours. PAGASA said the LPA was estimated at 1,010 km east of Mindanao as of 2 p.m., adding the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is affecting Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao. "Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao will be cloudy with light to moderate rain showers or thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the Luzon will be partly cloudy with brief rain showers or thunderstorms," PAGASA said in its 5 p.m. bulletin. It did not say if the LPA would become a cyclone, but local weather site Typhoon2000.ph indicated a tropical cyclone is possible along the Philippine Sea near Northern Mindanao or Eastern Visayas between October 24 to 26. Should the LPA become a cyclone while inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, it will be locally codenamed Ofel. Also, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast to north with slight to moderate seas. Meanwhile, PAGASA said strong to gale force winds enhanced by the surge of the northeast monsoon may affect the northern and eastern seaboard of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Visayas. "Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," it said. — BM, GMA News