The low pressure area (LPA) off Surigao del Norte has developed into a tropical depression and was named "Lannie," the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday morning, Oct. 4.
Based on its latest forecast, PAGASA said tropical depression Lannie will likely make landfall over Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands in the next six hours.
As of 4 a.m., the center of the tropical depression was estimated at 100 kilometers east of Surigao City.
It was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph, while moving northwest at 20 kph.
"It will move generally west-northwestward and cross Dinagat Islands and Visayas archipelago before emerging over the Sulu Sea tomorrow early morning (Oct. 5) near or over the Cuyo archipelago," PAGASA senior weather specialist Chris Perez.
Due to the anticipated passage of Lannie, PAGASA raised tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 over the southern portions of Masbate, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, and Occidental Mindoro, northern portion of Palawan, Calamian and Cuyo Islands, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, northern and central portions of Negros Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and northern portions of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur.
Perez said moderate to heavy with at times intense rains are likely over Visayas, Bicol Region, Mimaropa (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), and Caraga Region.
Light to moderate with at times heavy rains are also possible over Metro Manila, Bulacan, Bataan, and the rest of Mindanao, Perez said.
Moreover, strong winds with occasional gusts will be experienced over most of the areas under Signal No. 1.
Perez said Lannie will likely leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday, Oct. 7.