THE low pressure area (LPA) that was earlier spotted east northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar has developed into a tropical depression.

As of 2 p.m. Monday, August 26, the LPA was already located east of Virac, Catanduanes, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pagasa said earlier that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1 might be raised over the eastern sections of Luzon and Visayas.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainshowers with lightning and strong winds are expected over Metro Manila, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bataan within the next two hours, said Pagasa.

It added that the same weather conditions are being experienced in Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, Quezon, and Zambales.

Moderate to heavy rainshowers with lightning and strong winds are also being experienced over Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, and Pangasinan. These may persist for two hours and may affect nearby areas.

Pagasa advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned to take precautionary measures and to monitor for updates. (EZN/SunStar Philippines)