The low-pressure area east of Southern Luzon has developed into a Tropical Depression and is now threatening to bring hazards in land areas and coastal waters in the region, the state weather bureau said.
Paolo, the 16th weather disturbance to affect the country, is less likely to directly affect the weather conditions in the next 24 hours but it is expected to bring heavy rains on Friday, threatening Northern Luzon and portions of Central Luzon.
According to the weather bureau, the eye of the storm was spotted 760 km East of Virac, Catanduanes, and is moving westward at 25 km/h.
It is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.
‘Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon as early as this afternoon or evening. The highest Wind Signal that will likely be hoisted throughout its passage is Wind Signal No. 3. However, since the possibility of reaching typhoon category before landfall is not ruled out, the worst case scenario is Wind Signal No. 4.,’ the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin.
Risk of coastal flooding
‘There is a potential risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge in low-lying coastal areas of Northern and Central Luzon due to the passage of Paolo,’ PAGASA said.
Paolo may also bring moderate to rough seas over the coastal waters of Northern and Central Luzon starting Friday.
Paolo is forecast to move generally west-northwestward for the entire forecast period.
Paolo may make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday morning or afternoon.
PAGASA said a further southward shift of the track is possible depending on the strength of the high-pressure area to the north of Paolo.
Paolo will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm or typhoon category by Friday morning.