LPA to bring rains to E. Visayas, N. Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The state weather bureau yesterday warned residents of Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao to brace for rains from a low-pressure area (LPA) beginning tomorrow.

Robert Sawi, weather division chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said the LPA is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this morning.

“It will start affecting Northern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas by Friday,” Sawi said.

He said the weather system has a slim chance of intensifying into a tropical cyclone based on latest forecasts.

“If ever it intensifies, it could only reach the tropical depression category,” he said.

The next cyclone that would enter the country would be codenamed “Basyang.”

The weather disturbance, according to Sawi, is forecast to make landfall and cross the Visayas on Saturday, bringing moderate to heavy rains.

He said the disturbance is seen to move toward the West Philippine Sea by Sunday.

PAGASA also warned the public against big waves in Aurora, the Camarines provinces, Catanduanes, the eastern coasts of Albay, Sorsogon and Quezon (including Polillo Island), Surigao, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands and Siargao Island due to the surge of the northeast monsoon.