Tropical Disturbance (LPA) StormWatch No. 01

A broad & rapidly developing area of low pressure located over the South Philippine Sea (inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility) has been moving closer to Mindanao. This system is expected to cross Davao-Caraga-Northern Mindanao Area within the next 24 hours, and could develop into a Tropical Depression (TD) upon reaching the Bohol  & Sulu Seas.

This disturbance and its trough will bring scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms across Visayas, Mindanao, Palawan and some portions of Bicol Region this weekend.  Floods and landslides are likely in this kind of weather system. *Kindly refer to PAGASA for local warnings and forecasts in your respective regions.

• Location of Center: Over the southwestern part of the South Philippine Sea (near 6.6°N 128.2°E)
• Distance 1: 219 km east of Mati City, Davao Oriental
• Distance 2: 310 km east-southeast of Davao City, Davao Del Sur
• Distance 3: 449 km east-southeast of Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental

• The LPA is expected to intensify into a Tropical Depression once it reaches the Bohol and Sulu Seas within the next 24 to 36 hours, and could further become a Tropical Storm before or after crossing Palawan on Saturday evening (Dec 19). Kindly refer to our attached StormWatch Track for the forecast wind speeds of this disturbance.
• If ever this LPA becomes a Tropical Depression (TD), it will be named domestically by PAGASA as “VICKY.”