LPA now tropical depression ‘Falcon’ – Pagasa

THE low pressure area (LPA) that had entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) has developed into a tropical depression and has been named “Falcon,” the state-run weather bureau said on Monday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) spotted “Falcon” 990 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes as of 4 a.m. It is moving in a north-northwest direction at a speed of 20 kms per hour (kph), maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gustiness of 60 kph.

Pagasa expects Falcon to directly affect the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms on Monday.

Pagasa weather specialist Ariel Rojas said that Falcon has also enhanced the southwest monsoon that was affecting Mimaropa (Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Mindanao and the rest of Visayas). Pagasa warned of possible flash floods and landslides during severe thunderstorms over the affected areas.

Meanwhile, gale warning was raised over the seaboard of Davao Oriental. Small seacraft and fishing boats were advised against venturing in the area due to moderate to rough seas.

On Tuesday, Pagasa expects light to moderate to at times heavy monsoon rains over Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Sulu Archipelago.

Rojas said that Falcon could make landfall over Cagayan by Wednesday and could intensify into a tropical storm while traversing the Babuyan Channel before departing PAR on Thursday.