LPA to intensify into tropical depression in 24 hours -PAGASA

State weather bureau PAGASA on Thursday said the low pressure area (LPA) on the northwest of Virac, Catanduanes may intensify into tropical depression in 24 hours and bring heavy rains.

Once it becomes a tropical depression, the cyclone will be called Butchoy, according to PAGASA weather specialist Raymond Ordinario.

In an 11 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA predicted heavy rainfall until Friday due to the LPA and the prevailing southwesterly windflow over Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains, meanwhile, are expected over regions of Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol, and Western Visayas.

The same weather will be experienced in northern Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, Mindoro Provinces, Marinduque, and Romblon, according to PAGASA.

Scattered light to moderate with at times heavy rains are expected over the rest of Visayas, the rest of Palawan, and Central Luzon, it added.

“Due to its proximity to land, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals may be hoisted immediately in the initial Severe Weather Bulletin once this LPA develops into a tropical depression,” PAGASA said.

“Floodings and rain-induced landslides may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards” PAGASA warned.

The public and local disaster risk disaster and management offices (LDRRMOs) are advised to keep monitoring updates regarding the weather disturbance.

PAGASA added LDRRMOs should take appropriate measures and monitor the Rainfall/Thunderstorm Advisories and Heavy Rainfall Warnings from PAGASA Regional Services Divisions.

Moderate to rough seas (1.2 to 3.4 m wave height) will be experienced over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon in the next 24 hours due to this weather disturbance, according to PAGASA.

“Those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out to sea,” it said.

At 10 a.m. on Thursday, the LPA was located at 110 kilometers Northwest of Virac, Catanduanes or   65  km east-northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte, according to PAGASA. --KBK, GMA News