New LPA to become cyclone Friday

MANILA -- Another low pressure area (LPA) spotted at the eastern coast of Mindanao continues to intensify and is expected to become a tropical depression by Friday afternoon, the state weather bureau said on Thursday.

Weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said that as of 2 a.m., the LPA was sighted off 430 kilometers east of Hinatuan City in Surigao del Sur.

Aurelio said it is getting strength from the sea and has a chance to become a typhoon.

He said once it intensifies into a tropical depression, the weather disturbance will be locally named "Gener."

Aurelio said the other LPA spotted at 220 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes, continues to weaken and is expected to leave the country Thursday afternoon or evening.

He added the weather disturbance will bring rains in extreme Northern Luzon.

Meanwhile, Aurelio said temperature in Metro Manila may range from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, and it will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers in the afternoon or evening.

In its advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the whole country will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Cloudy with widespread rains are expected over the eastern section of Visayas and Mindanao that may trigger flash floods and landslides.

"Residents living in low-lying areas and along mountain slopes are advised to be alert for possible occurrence of flash floods and landslides," it said.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and coming from the southwest to west over the rest of the country.

The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.

The weather agency said a strong to gale force wind can affect the western seaboards of Luzon.

Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the sea, while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves. (PNA/Sunnex)