Tropical Depression Pilandok to intensify into storm by Tuesday, says PAGASA

Tropical Depression Pilandok maintains its strength as it moves north-northwestward inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the state weather bureau PAGASA said Monday.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA located Pilandok at 1,145 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon.

It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 70 kilometers per hour.

According to PAGASA, Pilandok is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm by Tuesday, September 1. However, it pointed out that it is unlikely to make a landfall over the country and will remain far from the Philippine landmass.

Pilandok is expected to exit PAR by September 2 afternoon or evening.

The state weather bureau advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.

Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials, PAGASA added. –NB, GMA News