New tropical depression to enter PAR on Saturday

MANILA, Philippines (First published 9:49 a.m.) - The low pressure area monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) has strengthened into a tropical depression and is expected to enter the country by Saturday morning, PAGASA said on Friday.

The weather disturbance will be called "Nonoy" once it enters PAR, the 14th cyclone to enter the country this year.

At 10 a.m., the tropical depression was located 1,440 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph).

It is likely to move west northwest at 20 kph.

The state weather bureau said Nonoy has a slim chance to make landfall but will affect the eastern side of Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA is expecting one more cyclone to affect the country before the end of the year.

"The weather disturbance is expected to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over eastern section of Southern Luzon and Visayas areas beginning Sunday as it continues to approach eastern Visayas-Bicol region area," the weather bureau said.

PAGASA warned that flash floods and landslides are possible in affected areas.