LPA not likely to become typhoon

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuanos can expect more of the heavy rains until Wednesday, at least, but the weather bureau says there is little chance for the low pressure area (LPA) hovering over Samar province to develop into a typhoon.

“Hinay ang posibilidad nga mahimo siya nga bagyo,” said weather observer Boy Artiaga of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (Pagasa). But Artiaga said the public must always keep their guard against disasters brought about by the rains like flashfloods and landslides.

“Magbantay lang gyud ta,” Artiaga said.

As of yesterday, the low pressure area was estimated at 400 kilometers east northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar.

The low pressure embedded the areas along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) system that continues to affect Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

According to Artiaga, Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

There would be widespread rains over Palawan, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao.

Artiaga said that the rest of the country will have partly cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the southeast to northwest will prevail over the Northern and Central Luzon and coming from the southwest to west over the rest of the country.

The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate, Artiaga said.

People living along riverbanks and on hills should be cautious against threats of flashfloods and landslides. Students and workers are reminded to bring umbrellas and boots for those in flood-prone areas of Cebu City. — (FREEMAN)