Tropical Depression Could Become 18th Philippine Storm
A tropical depression currently churning south of the Philippines poses a growing threat to the archipelago, perhaps intensifying into the 18th named storm of the year, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical adn Astronomical Services Governance (PAGASA). The agency issued a warning Sunday, urging residents to remain vigilant.
As of Sunday, the depression was situated approximately 620 kilometers (385 miles) south of Kalayaan, Palawan, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (34 mph) with gusts reaching 70 kph (43 mph). PAGASA reported that it’s moving north-northeast at 20 kph (12 mph).
While still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the depression’s outer rainbands are already impacting parts of the country. “The tropical depression’s trough is already affecting parts of the country, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to Zamboanga Peninsula and the provinces of Palawan, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi,” PAGASA stated in its 24-hour forecast.
Mindanao is expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated showers and thunderstorms. PAGASA anticipates the depression will enter PAR within 24 hours and be named “Rumina.”
The shear line and the northeast monsoon (amihan) are contributing to widespread rainfall across the country. The Visayas, Bicol Region, Calabarzon, and several Mindoro provinces are bracing for cloudy skies, scattered rains, and isolated thunderstorms due to the shear line. Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera administrative Region, and Central Luzon can expect cloudy skies with monsoon rains.
PAGASA is urging residents to take precautions against potential flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas experiencing heavy rainfall. “The public is advised to be vigilant for potential flash floods or landslides, especially during heavy rains,” the agency warned.
The rest of luzon is expected to see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains due to the amihan,with no significant impacts anticipated.
This developing storm highlights the importance of preparedness during typhoon season in the Philippines,a nation frequently impacted by severe weather events. The potential for significant rainfall and flooding underscores the need for residents to stay informed and follow official weather advisories.
