‘Pablo’ now over South China Sea - Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical depression "Pablo" (Higos) has crossed Central Luzon and is now over the South China Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Wednesday night. Pagasa said two areas remained under storm signals, and that the danger of flash floods and landslides is still imminent in low-lying areas and areas near mountain slopes. In its 10:45 p.m. advisory, Pagasa said "Pablo" was 140 kms west of Iba, Zambales as of 10 p.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center. "Pablo" was moving west-northwest at 20 kph and is expected to be 560 kms northwest of Iba, Zambales Thursday evening. By Friday evening it is expected to be 970 kms northwest of Iba, Zambales or 80 kms west of Hong Kong. Under Storm Signal No. 1 are Zambales and Western Pangasinan. Public storm warning signals elsewhere were lowered. Meanwhile, Pagasa continued to monitor a low-pressure area (LPA) estimated at 530 kms southwest of Metro Manila. Earlier, dzRH radio reported that if the LPA would intensify into a cyclone, it would be named "Quinta." - GMANews.TV