The low pressure area (LPA) east of Visayas may intensify into tropical depression "Ofel" before it makes landfall over Bicol Region or Eastern Visayas on Wednesday, Oct. 14, according to a weather forecaster.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the location of the LPA at 230 kilometers east-northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar before Tuesday noon.
Weather specialist Joey Figuracion said tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 1 may be immediately raised once the LPA develops into a tropical depression due to its proximity to land.
As it generally moves northwest towards the Bicol Region-Eastern Visayas area, PAGASA advised residents and local disaster risk and reduction management offices concerned to continue monitoring official updates regarding the potential development of this weather disturbance.
As early as Tuesday, the LPA may already bring light to moderate rains with occasional heavy rains over Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Island, Sorsogon, Albay, and Catanduanes.
"Flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards," PAGASA warned.
Figuracion said the potential cyclone may traverse Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) while on its way to the West Philippine Sea. Moderate to heavy rains may be felt in these areas by Wednesday.
The trough or extension of this weather disturbance may also bring light to moderate rains over Metro Manila, but may sometimes become heavy during severe thunderstorms, he said.
Figuracion said the LPA that may become a cyclone, will likely enhance the southwest monsoon or "habagat" after crossing the central part of the country, between Visayas and Southern Luzon.
The effect of the "habagat" will be mostly over western Luzon and Mindanao, he added.
Metro Manila may also be placed under Signal No. 1 should the weather disturbance maintain its initial movement, Figuracion said.