LPA Develops into Tropical Depression “Pepito”

According to the advisory of PAGASA, as of 2:00 AM today, October 19, 2020, the Low Pressure Area (LPA) east of Virac, Catanduanes has developed into Tropical Depression “Pepito”.

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11:00 AM Update

In the 11:00 AM update of PAGASA, the Tropical Depression “Pepito” accelerates Westward while maintaining its strength and it is forecast to make landfall over the eastern coast of Northern Luzon-Central Luzon area between tomorrow evening and Wednesday early morning.

Also, Pepito may emerge over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning.

In addition, it is stated in the PAGASA update that Pepito is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm before it makes landfall. And, it may further intensify over the West Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm category by Thursday after crossing the landmass of Luzon.

Location of Eye

Forecast Position of Pepito

October 20, 2020

• 24 Hour (Tomorrow morning): 370 km East of Baler, Aurora(15.8 °N, 125.0 °E)

October 21, 2020

• 48 Hour (Wednesday morning): 95 km West Northwest of Dagupan City, Pangasinan( 16.5 °N, 119.6 °E)

October 22, 2020

• 72 Hour (Thursday morning): 445 km West of Dagupan City, Pangasinan (OUTSIDE PAR)( 16.7 °N, 116.2 °E)

October 23, 2020

• 96 Hour (Friday morning): 710 km West of Dagupan City, Pangasinan (OUTSIDE PAR)( 16.7 °N, 113.7 °E)

October 24, 2020

• 120 Hour (Saturday morning): 980 km West of Northern Luzon (OUTSIDE PAR)( 16.8 °N, 111.2 °E)

Hazards affecting land

Rainfall

Today, light to moderate with at times heavy rains may be experienced over:

• Quezon
• Bicol Region
• Eastern Visayas
• Zamboanga Peninsula
• Bangasamoro
• Caraga
• Davao Oriental
• Davao Occidental
• Sultan Kudarat
• South Cotabato
• Sarangani

In addition, flooding (including flashfloods) and rain-induced landslides may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards. PAGASA Regional Services Divisions may issue local thunderstorm/rainfall advisories and heavy rainfall warnings as appropriate.

Winds

According to the PAGASA advisory, these areas are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) #1:

• The eastern portion of Isabela (Palanan,Dinapigue,the eastern portion of San Mariano)
• and the northern portion of Aurora (Dinalungan,Casiguran,Dilasag)

Furthermore, the northeasterly surface windflow partly enhanced by “PEPITO” may bring strong-force to near gale-force winds with occasional gusts over:

• Batanes
• Babuyan Islands
• The coastal and mountainous areas of:
  • Northern Ilocos Norte
  • Apayao, Cagayan
  • Isabela
  • Aurora
  • Quezon
  • Camarines Norte
  • Camarines Sur
  • Albay
  • Sorsogon
  • Northern Samar

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

Due to rough to very rough seas (2.8 to 4.5 m) caused by the northeasterly surface windflow, gale warning is in effect over the seaboards of:

• Batanes
• Cagayan
• Iolcos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• Isabela

In addition, sea travel is risky over the said areas, especially for those using small seacrafts.

And, due to Pepito and the northeasterly surface windflow moderate to rough seas will be experience in the next 24 hours over:

• The eastern seaboards of Central Luzon
• Bicol Region
• Seaboards of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.

Small seacrafts are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea.

Furthermore, the next PAGASA advisory will be issued at 5:00 PM today.

Source: PAGASA