MANILA, (PNA) — The low pressure area (LPA) spotted in Palawan continues to bring rains over these areas, the state weather bureau said on Tuesday.
In its update, PAGASA said that the LPA was spotted 160 km Northeast of Puerto Princesa City (11.0°N 119.5°E) and will continue to affect the Palawan area bringing moderate to occasionally heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms.
It added that small sea crafts and fishing vessels are advised not to venture out over the seaboard of Palawan due to the expected big waves generated by this weather system.
In a interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Connie Dadivas said that in the next 24 hours the LPA may intensify again into a cyclone, while passing the sea.
If it again strengthens into a tropical depression, it will retain its local name “Wilma.”
Dadivas said the LPA may make a second landfall in Palawan before exiting the country heading towards Vietnam.
“Wilma” is the first cyclone to affect the country this month and the 23rd for the year.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said that the Tropical Storm over the Caroline Islands (international name “Haitan”) was estimated at 2,170 km east of Mindanao (6.5°N 145.9°E) with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph and gustiness of up to 120 kph. It is forecast to move west at 25 kph.
PAGASA said that this weather disturbance is expected to enter the Philippine Area Of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday morning.
It added will not affect any part of the country within the next 36 hours.
Should it enter the PAR, the storm will be locally named “Yolanda”, the 24th to enter the country this year.
PAGASA expects two to three cyclones to affect the country this month.