LPA intensifies into tropical depression; 8 areas under Signal No. 1

MANILA, Philippines – The low-pressure area spotted east of Northern Mindanao has intensified into the first tropical cyclone to enter Philippine territory for 2009, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Saturday night. Pagasa said "Auring" was estimated at 140 kilometers east of Surigao City as of 6 p.m., even as Storm Signal No. 1 was raised over eight areas in Visayas and Mindanao. It said "Auring" packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and was moving west-northwest at 7 kph. By Sunday afternoon it is expected to be 90 kms northeast of Surigao City or 80 kms southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. By Monday afternoon it is expected to be 40 kms West of Tacloban City. By Tuesday afternoon it is expected to be 40 kms southeast of Masbate, Masbate. Areas under Storm Signal No. 1 include Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Camotes Island in Visayas; and Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Island in Mindanao. Pagasa advised residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes in areas under Storm Signal No. 1 to take precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides. - GMANews.TV