No storm developing, just scattered rains

CEBU – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-7 assured that the low pressure area spotted 70 kilometers east northeast of Tagbilaran City will not develop into a tropical depression but will just bring scattered rains in the region.

Weather forecaster Ella Comahig said that the cold front prevents the LPA from developing into a storm as it pushes the wind downwards. Since Wednesday until this writing, LPA remained shallow and weather satellites detect no possibility of it going strong.

The LPA was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 70 kilometers east northeast of Tagbilaran City. The tail end of a cold front affects eastern Luzon.

According to Pagasa, Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao areas will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms which may trigger landslides and flashfloods. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Visayas and the coastal waters along the area will be moderate to rough.

Pagasa reiterated its warning for possible accidents because of the rain. Comahig said that as of yesterday, rainfall in Cebu measures 0.6 millimeters. She however said that the measures vary in different areas since LPA brought scattered rains.

Pagasa also advised small crafts and fishing boats not to venture out into the sea. Comahig said that wind speed in the Visayas is 45 kilometers per hour which “produce three to five meters wave height.” Comahig added that rainy days might last for few days more because the Pagasa satellite reflects a cloudy Visayas as of yesterday. The cold weather meanwhile will prevail until March or April during the seasonal transition period. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)