By: Ellalyn V. Ruiz
A new low-pressure area east of Mindanao has a high probability of intensifying into a tropical cyclone within 24 hours, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration.
PAGASA estimated the location of the LPA at 150 kilometers east-northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur before noon yesterday.
The weather disturbance is expected to bring scattered moderate to heavy rains over Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Lanao del Sur.
PAGASA advised residents in these areas of possible flash floods and landslides.
The LPA is likely to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours and will be given the local name “Tino.” It will be the second tropical cyclone inside the country’s area of responsibility this month and 20th this year.
Should this weather system intensify into a tropical depression, PAGASA said maritime operations in the Bohol Sea, including the seaboards of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte, southern Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga del Norte, will be disrupted.