LPA off Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur now a tropical depression

The low pressure area (LPA) east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur has developed into a tropical depression, the state weather bureau said early Monday.

In its 3:30 a.m. update on its Facebook page, PAGASA said the LPA became Tropical Depression Verbena as of 2 a.m. Monday.

In its 4 a.m. update, the state weather bureau said Verbena was estimated to be 285 kilometers east northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Verbena is packing winds of 45 km/h with gustiness of 55 km/h and is moving westward at 30 km/h.

The state weather bureau will issue tropical cyclone bulletins on Verbena starting 5 a.m. Monday. — JMA, GMA Integrated News