LPA off Bicol coast may cross Luzon or dissipate, says PAGASA
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 26 said the low-pressure area (LPA) near Bicol Region may cross Luzon toward the West Philippine Sea or dissipate while over eastern Quezon.
As of 3 p.m., the LPA was located near the coastal waters of Siruma, Camarines Sur.
On Tuesday morning, PAGASA said the weather system had a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, but this was downgraded to low by the afternoon. It also had a higher chance of crossing Central and Southern Luzon before emerging over the West Philippine Sea.
In the public weather forecast on Tuesday afternoon, PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo said they are currently looking at two possible scenarios: the LPA may dissipate over the eastern coast of Quezon province, while another LPA develops over the West Philippine Sea, or the current LPA may traverse Luzon and continue as the main weather system entering the West Philippine Sea.
From Tuesday to Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 27, heavy to intense rainfall (100-200 mm) due to the LPA may affect Quezon province, while moderate to heavy rainfall (50-100 mm) is expected over Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur.
The southwest monsoon or “habagat” will also bring moderate to heavy rainfall over Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique during the same period.
From Wednesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon, Aug. 28, moderate to heavy rains may continue in Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Antique, and Negros Occidental.
PAGASA reminded the public to remain vigilant against the threats of flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas prone to these hazards.