Tropical depression “Nika” is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Monday but a potential cyclone off Mindanao will likely head towards Bicol or Eastern Visayas in the coming days.
In a severe weather bulletin issued at 11 a.m., Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Nika” was at 340 kilometers (km) west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, moving generally west or west-northwest away from the country.
It will further intensify while it is over the West Philippine Sea and may become a severe tropical storm before its landfall over Hainan, China by Wednesday.
“Nika” and the southwest monsoon or “habagat” may bring moderate to heavy rains over Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, northern Palawan, Calamian and Kalayaan Islands, and Lubang Island.
Light to moderate with at times heavy rains will also affect Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac.
Flash floods and rain-induced landslides are possible during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards, PAGASA warned.
The southwest monsoon and northeasterly surface wind flow are both being enhanced by tropical depression “Nika” which may bring wind gusts over the northern and western section of Luzon, especially in the coastal and mountainous communities.
A gale warning is in effect over the seaboards of Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan due to rough to very rough sea conditions.
PAGASA advised fishermen and those using small boats not to set sail over these areas.
Moderate to rough seas will be experienced over the other seaboards of Luzon. Those with small boats were advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea.
Potential cyclone
PAGASA is also monitoring the low pressure area (LPA) at 435 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur for possible development into a tropical depression within 48 hours.
It is seen to move northwest towards the Bicol Region-Eastern Visayas area on Monday, Oct. 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 14.
The LPA, tropical depression “Nika,” and the “habagat” may bring scattered rain showers over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
The public is still advised to remain vigilant for possible flash floods or landslides due to light to moderate to at times heavy rains.