Tropical depression 'Isang' maintains strength, landfall still unlikely -- PAGASA

Tropical depression "Isang" maintained its strength while over the Philippine Sea east of extreme northern Luzon early Friday morning, Aug. 20.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the location of Isang at 1,110 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon as of 4 a.m.
It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph while moving west-northwest at 20 kph.
PAGASA said Isang may slightly intensify on Saturday, Aug. 21, but will remain a tropical depression while inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).
Weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said Isang is still not seen to make landfall.
He added that the tropical depression is not expected to directly affect the country's weather or enhance the southwest monsoon or "habagat."
The easterlies or the warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean remain the dominant weather system that may bring partly cloudy to cloudy conditions across the country in the next 24 hours.
However, there is a high chance of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA warned the public against flash floods or landslides that may occur during severe thunderstorms, which are often associated with short-lived heavy rain, lightning, thunder, gusty winds, and sometimes hail.
Based on PAGASA's forecast track, Isang will remain far from the Philippine landmass throughout the forecast period.
It will move northwest until Saturday morning, then turn north-northwest on Saturday afternoon.
Aurelio said Isang will likely leave the PAR on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, Aug. 22.