PAGASA monitoring LPA off Eastern Samar

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MANILA, Philippines – State weather bureau PAGASA is monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) which could develop into a tropical depression, while the southwest monsoon continues to affect the western part of Luzon.

In a bulletin issued 4 pm on Monday, June 18, PAGASA said the LPA is located 715 kilometers east northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

“Ang nasabing low pressure area, sa kasalukuyan hindi naman po nakakaapekto sa anumang bahagi ng bansa, subalit sa mga susunod na araw hindi naman natin inaalis ang posibilidad na maging itong isang ganap na bagyo,” said PAGASA weather specialist Meno Mendoza in a Facebook Live video late Monday afternoon.

(The low pressure area is currently not affecting any part of the country right now, but we’re not ruling out the possibility that it could become a tropical cyclone in the next few days.)

If the LPA develops into a tropical depression – the least strongest type of tropical cyclone – it would be given the local name Florita. (READ: LIST: PAGASA’s names for tropical cyclones in 2018)

The southwest monsoon, meanwhile, will trigger light to moderate rain in the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Zambales, Bataan, Batanes, and the Babuyan Group of Islands on Tuesday, June 19. Floods are possible in low-lying areas.

The rest of the country, not affected by the southwest monsoon, will only have isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms with “no significant impact.” (READ: FAST FACTS: Tropical cyclones, rainfall advisories)

PAGASA added that there is a gale warning for Batanes, the Babuyan Group of Islands, the northern coast of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. This means rough to very rough sea conditions, with wave heights reaching 3.4 meters to 4.5 meters.

“Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” said PAGASA.

PAGASA had declared the start of the rainy season last June 8. – Rappler.com