LPA brings rain to parts of Mindanao, Visayas; Tropical Storm Hagupit heads for PAR

MANILA, Philippines – The low pressure area (LPA) that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday, May 5, is bringing rain to parts of Mindanao and the Visayas, the weather bureau said on Wednesday afternoon, May 6.

The LPA was located 305 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, as of 3 pm on Wednesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA will be causing scattered rain and thunderstorms in Caraga, the Davao Region, Siquijor, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Eastern Visayas, and Bohol in the coming hours.

Cebu, which is currently hosting the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Meetings, could also see rain from the LPA in the next couple of days.

PAGASA’s latest forecast shows the LPA remains unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone within 24 hours, but it may still trigger flash floods and landslides.

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Meanwhile, the other LPA that PAGASA began monitoring on Monday, May 4, developed into a tropical depression on Tuesday and subsequently into a tropical storm outside PAR on Wednesday.

Since it became a tropical storm, it has been given an international name — Hagupit. The name, contributed by the Philippines, is a Filipino word which means to lash or to flog.

The tropical storm was last spotted 2,185 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao at 3 pm on Wednesday, moving west at 15 kilometers per hour. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gustiness of up to 80 km/h.

PAGASA expects Hagupit to enter PAR either late Friday, May 8, or Saturday, May 9. Once it enters, it will be given the local name Caloy.

PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja said the tropical cyclone could move generally northwest over the Philippine Sea. It might directly affect the eastern portions of Luzon and the Visayas early next week, he added.

The weather bureau advised the public to monitor updates as forecasts may still change. – Rappler.com