LPA stengthens into tropical depression 'Kabayan'

MANILA, Philippines - The low pressure area spotted in Visayas has strengthened into a tropical depression and was named "Kabayan," weather bureau PAGASA said on Thursday.

At 10 a.m., Kabayan was located 610 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes with maximum winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph). It is likely to move west northwest at 19 kph.

Public storm warning signal no. 1 is raised in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Aurora and northern Quezon including Polillo Island.

The weather disturbance is also forecasted to bring light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over the regions of Eastern Visayas, Caraga and Davao.

Kabayan is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday.

"The general public and disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned are advised to monitor for the next update to be incorporated in the public weather forecast," the state weather bureau said.