The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday, Dec. 19, that threats of flash floods and landslides persist across large parts of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao due to the combined effects of the shear line and a low-pressure area (LPA). The LPA has a high chance of reintensifying into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja said the LPA was located 245 kilometers east of Surigao del Norte around 3 a.m.

Estareja pointed out that, as the LPA’s circulation improves and remains over warm waters, the likelihood of it redeveloping into a tropical depression is high.

If this happens, it would again be named “Querubin.” 

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/18/pagasa-querubin-weakens-into-lpa

Should the LPA reintensify, Estareja said tropical cyclone wind signals could be raised in several areas of Eastern Visayas and Caraga region.

However, heavy rainfall warnings continue across most of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao due to the shear line and LPA.

On Friday, Dec. 20, Estareja said moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms may affect Quezon, Bicol, and parts of Visayas and Mindanao as the LPA or tropical depression moves between the Visayas and Mindanao toward the Sulu Sea.

Heavy to intense rainfall (100 to 200 millimeters) is expected to particularly affect Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall (50 to 100 millimeters) may prevail over Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Aklan, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur.

Estareja said scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms may also affect Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan due to the shear line.

Cooler weather, with scattered light to moderate rains, is also expected to persist across the rest of Luzon due to the northeast monsoon (amihan).

From Saturday to Sunday, Dec. 21 to 22, Estareja said moderate to intense rains and thunderstorms will continue over Southern Luzon and the Visayas as the weather disturbance moves across the West Philippine Sea.

Cooler weather with light to moderate rains will also continue over Northern and Central Luzon.