Tropical cyclone to enter Philippines today

MANILA, Philippines – Two tropical cyclones were spotted off the Pacific Ocean yesterday, one of them  expected to enter the country today.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster Benison Estareja, the tropical depression located 1,440 kilometers east of Luzon is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this morning, but will have no direct effect yet. 

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, the cyclone packed winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 55 kph. It is forecast to move northwest at a speed of 17 kph. 

The depression will be named Marce once it enters the country.

“We have two scenarios for this tropical depression. One possible scenario is it may make landfall between Luzon and the Visayas, and the other is it may veer north, away from the country,” Estareja said. 

Meanwhile, the other tropical depression slightly intensified and accelerated as it moved west-northwest. 

It was spotted at 2,920 km east of Luzon as of 4 p.m. with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gustiness of up to 70 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 25 kph. 

“As of now we don’t expect it to enter the Philippine area of responsibility,” Estareja said. 

PAGASA said the two cyclones might interact with one another but will not merge. 

Meanwhile, the low-pressure area east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur has dissipated. 

But Estareja said the intertropical convergence zone would continue to bring rains over the Visayas, Mindanao and some parts of Southern Luzon until Friday.