Potential low pressure area spotted off Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — As typhoon Yolanda (international codename Haiyan) moves away from the Philippines, state weather bureau PAGASA is monitoring a possible low pressure area (LPA) that may enter the Philippines on Monday, November 11.

Pagasa’s satellite photos of Yolanda’s exit shows a “circulation” off eastern Mindanao, PAGASA pointed out in a Saturday morning (November 9) briefing of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

“There’s a possible formation of a low pressure area Monday morning.  As Yolanda moves away, the northwest monsoon (Amihan) will affect the country. A low pressure area may be formed in Eastern Mindanao. It will enter on Monday,” according to PAGASA.

PAGASA officer in charge Vicente Malano told Rappler it’s possible it will dissipate. “Based on our initial assessment, it will dissipate. But we are monitoring it closely,” he said. 

As of 10 am, Yolanda was located 549 kilometers west of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

After making 6 landfalls, Yolanda has slowed down to 175 km/h sustained winds and 210 km/h of gustiness. It is now moving towards Vietnam. 

This is considerably weaker than when it made landfall over Guiuan, Eastern Samar early Friday, November 8, with speeds of 235 km/h near the center.

Pagasa projected gradual improvement of weather in the Visayas by Saturday afternoon. Weather in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, and Zamboanga Peninsula will improve on Sunday. — Rappler.com

(Editor’s note: The story earlier had a title “Low pressure area spotted off Mindanao,” which is incorrect. It should be a “possible low pressure area,” as stated in the story. Our apologies.)