The low pressure area (LPA) east of Eastern Samar has intensified into tropical depression "Jolina" at around 2 a.m. Monday, Sept. 6, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
Due to the anticipated direct effect of Jolina, PAGASA has raised tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 over Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao Islands, and Bucas Grande Islands.
As of 4 a.m., the center of tropical depression Jolina was estimated at 300 kilometers (km) east-southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, or 310 km east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph while moving west-southwest at 20 kph.
PAGASA said moderate to heavy rains are expected over Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands in the next 24 hours.
"Under these conditions, isolated to scattered flash flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazard as identified in hazard maps," the State weather bureau warned.
Likewise, strong winds with occasional gusts will be experienced in areas under Signal No. 1.
Based on its forecast track, PAGASA said Jolina will likely move west or west-southwest then turn generally northwest in the next few days.
"The depression will track generally northwestward parallel to the east coast of the country until it makes landfall over Northern Luzon by Friday, Sept. 10," PAGASA said.
"However, the public is advised to continue monitoring for possible changes in the track forecast in the succeeding bulletins," it added.
PAGASA said Jolina will likely remain a tropical depression until its potential landfall over Northern Luzon when it is forecast to weaken into an LPA.
Meanwhile, another tropical depression has formed outside the Philippine area of responsibiity (PAR) on Monday morning.
PAGASA weather specialist Ariel Rojas said the tropical depression was located at 1,480 km east of Visayas at around 4 a.m.
It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gustiness of up to 55 kph, and is moving north-northwest at 15 kph.
Rojas said the tropical depression will likely enter the PAR within 24 to 36 hours.
Once inside the area of responsibility, the cyclone will be given a local name "Kiko."