PAGASA: LPA over Hinatuan may turn into tropical depression 

One of two low pressure areas (LPAs) currently in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) may develop into a tropical depression Friday, a weather forecaster told GMA News Online Thursday evening.

 

“Sa ngayon, ang nakakaapekto sa atin yung nasa Hinatuan,” forecaster Meno Mendoza of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a telephone interview.

 

The LPA is estimated at 470 km east of Hinatuan City in Surigao del Sur.

 

“May possibility ito maging depression bukas kung hindi magbabago ang kundisyon,” said Mendoza.

 

The forecaster noted the eastern side of Visayas and Mindanao would be most affected by the LPA. Expect widespread rains over the next several days, he said.

 

In its 5 p.m. weather update, PAGASA warned the region against landslides and flashfloods.

 

Mendoza said Luzon may also see some scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms in the coming days.

 

The LPA – whether it turns into a depression or not – is expected to leave the PAR by Tuesday or Wednesday next week, he added.

 

Meanwhile, the other LPA estimated at 790 km east of Aparri in Cagayan, is very shallow. Based on current data, it may disappear by Friday, said Mendoza. — VS, GMA News