LPA threatens flashfloods, landslide in Visayas, Mindanao

MANILA -- A low pressure area (LPA), which has chance to develop into tropical depression within 36 to 48 hours, will bring heavy rains over Visayas and Mindanao on Monday, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said as of 2 a.m., the LPA was spotted at 960 kilometers East of Mindanao (7.4°N, 136.0°E).

Pagasa said the LPA embedded along the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) may trigger flashfloods and landslides in the said areas.

An ITCZ is a merge of winds from different directions, which is also a breeding ground for an LPA.

Once the LPA turns into tropical depression, it will be named "Karen," the 11th cyclone to enter in the country this year.

The weather bureau said the disturbance is near the boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and will move northward if it develops into a storm.

Meanwhile, Luzon including Metro Manila will experience a mixture of sunny to mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers mostly in the afternoon or evening due to localized thunderstorms, while sunny to cloudy weather will be experienced in the morning.

Pagasa said moderate to strong winds blowing from the southeast will prevail over northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest with slight to moderate seas. (Sunnex)