Tropical depression expected today - Pagasa

Tropical storm “Dolphin” is expected to enter the country later today, threatening areas in the eastern sections of Luzon and Visayas, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said yesterday.

Pagasa weather branch chief Nathaniel Cruz said the weather disturbance, which was moving westward over the Pacific Ocean, might hit eastern Luzon or eastern Visayas.

As of 4:30 p.m. yesterday, Dolphin was spotted at 1,600 kilometers east of Bicol with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move west at 19 kph.

The storm would be given the local name “Ulysses” once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility.

“This weather disturbance is expected to gain more strength before it enters the Philippine area of responsibility by late tomorrow (Saturday),” Pagasa said in an advisory.

Pagasa said the weather disturbance would affect Bicol and eastern Visayas starting late Monday and bring scattered to widespread rains.

Meanwhile, Pagasa said the diffused tail-end of the cold front will continue to persist until today over Southern Luzon and bring frequent rains, particularly over Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes. – Helen Flores