After multiple landfalls, tropical depression "Lannie" is expected to head toward the Cuyo archipelago for another possible landfall in the next few hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday evening, Oct. 4.
In its 11 p.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said the center of the tropical depression was estimated at 120 kilometers south-southeast of Cuyo, Palawan.
"Tropical depression Lannie is forecast to turn more northwestward in the next 12 hours and may make landfall in the vicinity of northern mainland Palawan or Calamian Islands tomorrow morning (Oct. 5) before emerging over the West Philippine Sea shortly thereafter," PAGASA said.
"Furthermore, a close approach or landfall in the vicinity of the Cuyo archipelago is possible within the next six hours as the depression traverses the northern Sulu Sea. During this period, Lannie will remain a weak tropical depression," it pointed out.
Lannie has so far made eight landfalls in these areas: Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte (4:30 a.m.); Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands (5 a.m.); Liloan, Southern Leyte (7:30 a.m.); Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte (8 a.m.); Mahanay Island, Talibon, Bohol (12:30 p.m.); and Banacon Island, Jetafe, Bohol (12:45 p.m.); San Fernando, Cebu (1:45 p.m.); and Guihulngan, Negros Oriental (3:30 p.m.).
As of 11 p.m., the tropical depression was still packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph while moving faster at 35 kph westward.
Tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remains in effect in the southern portion of Romblon, southern portion of Oriental Mindoro, southern portion of Occidental Mindoro, northern portion of Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, and the northern and central portions of Negros Oriental.
PAGASA said that tropical cyclone wind signals in other areas have been lifted.
"Today (Oct. 4) through tomorrow morning (Oct. 5), moderate to heavy rains are likely over Western Visayas, Caraga, and Mimaropa," PAGASA said.
"Light to moderate with at times heavy rains are also possible over Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and the rest of Visayas," it added.
PAGASA advised those in these areas to take precautions against possible flash floods or landslides, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps.
Moreover, strong winds with occasional gusts may still prevail over most of the areas under Signal No. 1.
"The enhanced easterly flow north of the tropical depression may also bring occasional gusts reaching strong breeze to near gale in strength over extreme northern Luzon and the coastal and upland or mountainous areas of the eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Bicol Region in the next 24 hours," PAGASA said.
Based on the latest forecast track, PAGASA said Lannie will likely leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday evening, Oct. 6.