By Ellalyn V. Ruiz
Just days after tropical cyclones “Urduja” (international name “Kai-tak”) and “Vinta” (international name “Tembin”) caused serious flooding and damage in the Visayas and Mindanao, another developing tropical cyclone is threatening the country before New Year’s Day.
According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration weather forecaster Aeiel Rojas, the low-pressure area east of Mindanao is still outside the country’s area of responsibility as of yesterday.
Rojas said the weather disturbance could enter the country as an LPA by tomorrow or Sunday and become a tropical depression by Sunday or Monday.
Once it intensifies into a tropical depression, it will be named “Wilma,” the 23rd tropical cyclone this year and third this month.
He added that the potential tropical cyclone could make landfall over Surigao area by late Monday or early Tuesday.
However, Rojas said the track of the weather disturbance is uncertain as it is not yet a full-blown tropical cyclone.
Its possible effects could be felt over the eastern section of Visayas or Mindanao by Sunday or Monday, he added.
Today, the tail-end of cold front will continue to affect the eastern portion of Southern Luzon and Visayas, while the northeast monsoon or “amihan” will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon.
PAGASA said cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will affect Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Visayas due to the tail-end of a cold front.
The easterlies or warm and humid air coming from the Pacific Ocean will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
PAGASA advised areas affected by the cold front and easterlies of possible flash floods or landslides due to some heavy rains.
