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MANILA, Philippines – The low pressure area (LPA) east of the Bicol region has intensified into tropical depression Pepito before dawn Monday. the Philippine Administration of Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) said, although so far no tropical cyclone wind signal has been issued.
Pagasa, in its 5 am weather bulletin, said that the center of “Pepito” was last seen 820 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes.
“Pepito” has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph and is moving west-northwest at 20 kph.
“‘Pepito,’ which became a tropical depression at 2:00 am, will likely remain a tropical depression for the next 36 hours and may make landfall as a tropical depression or a weak tropical storm, the meteorological office added.
After crossing the Luzon landmass, “Pepito” may further intensify over the Western Philippine Sea and may further intensify into a severe tropical storm by Friday.
It is also expected to make landfall on the east coast of northern Luzon and central Luzon on Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.
Monday forecast
Pagasa said that light to moderate and sometimes heavy rains can be experienced in Quezón, Bicol region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangasamoro region, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani.
Rain-induced flooding and landslides can occur during heavy or prolonged rains, especially in areas that are highly or highly susceptible to these hazards.
Although there is currently no tropical cyclone wind signal in effect, Pagasa said the northeast surface wind flow, partly enhanced by “Pepito,” can bring “strong force to near-hurricane-force winds with occasional gusts” over Batanes. , the Babuyan Islands and the northern coast and mountainous areas of Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezón, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon and Northern Samar.
A gale warning has been raised over the Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Isabela littorals due to rough to very rough seas (2.8 to 4.5 m) caused by wind flow on the northeast surface.
Pagasa warned that sea travel is risky in these areas, especially for small vessels.
Meanwhile, moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.0 m) due to “Pepito” and the northeast surface wind flow will be experienced over the next 24 hours over the eastern shores of Central Luzon and the Bicol region and the coastlines of North Samar and East Samar.
Pagasa advised operators and crew of smaller vessels to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea.
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