LPA Trough to Bring Thunderstorms to Eastern Philippines, Raising Flood and Landslide Risks

The trough of the low-pressure area (LPA) is likely to bring thunderstorms over eastern Visayas and Mindanao in the next 24 hours, raising the risk of flooding and landslides, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday. “The trough of LPA is affecting Eastern parts of Visayas,” Veronica C. Torres, PAGASA weather specialist, said in a 5:00 a.m. press briefing in Filipino. “So, we’re expecting rainy conditions mostly in eastern parts of Visayas and Mindanao.” A trough of LPA-induced thunderstorms is expected over Eastern Visayas, CARAGA, Bohol, and Davao Oriental in the next 24 hours, PAGASA said in a separate 4:00 a.m. weather forecast. PAGASA warned of possible flash floods and landslides in these areas during moderate to occasional heavy rains. The LPA was last located 1,795 kilometers East of Eastern Visayas and has a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours, Ms. Torres said. She also said that in the next three days, it is likely to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility but will not directly affect the country. It will be assigned the local name Queenie if it enters and develops as a tropical cyclone while in PAR. Meanwhile, thunderstorms are expected in Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro due to the southwest monsoon. Metro Manila and the rest of the country are likely to be affected by localized thunderstorms. PAGASA warned of possible flooding and landslides in these areas during severe thunderstorms. — Edg Adrian A. Eva