LPA off Catanduanes intensifies into Tropical Depression Santi

A low-pressure area east of Catanduanes in the Bicol region intensified into a cyclone Tuesday night and was locally named Tropical Depression Santi.

However, PAGASA said Tropical Depression Santi is not currently expected to directly affect any part of the country.

"Kung hindi magbabago ang bilis at direction, by October 11, sa Friday lalapit ito sa extreme northern Luzon," PAGASA forecaster Samuel Duran said in an interview on dzBB radio.

The rain over Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao was due to the inter-tropical convergence zone, he added.

In its 11 p.m. advisory, PAGASA said Santi was estimated at 725 km east of Virac, Catanduanes as of 10 p.m., with maximum winds of 45 kph near the center.

Santi is forecast to move west-northwest at 15 kph.

PAGASA said Santi is expected to be 430 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes by Wednesday evening and at 390 km east of Baler, Aurora by Thursday evening.

On Friday evening, it is expected to be at 110 km east of Tuguegarao City.

PAGASA said Santi may bring rainfall of 5 to 7.5 mm per hour (moderate to occasionally heavy) within its 300-km diameter. — DVM, GMA News