LPA Intensifies into Tropical Depression “Egay”

The Low-Pressure Area previously identified to the east of Southeastern Luzon has intensified into a tropical depression and has been named “Egay”.

Current Data on “Egay”

• Location: 900 km East of Southeastern Luzon (14.4 °N, 132.5 °E)
• Movement: North Northwestward at a slow pace.
• Strength: Sustained winds of 55 km/h with gusts up to 70 km/h.

Hazards Impacting Land

1. Heavy Rainfall:

• Forecasted accumulated rainfall from Sunday to Monday:
  • Catanduanes and Northern Samar: 50-100 mm
• For regions not directly impacted by “Egay”, monsoon rains from the enhanced Southwest Monsoon are anticipated:
  • Sunday: Over the western sections of MIMAROPA and Visayas.
  • Monday and Tuesday: Over the western sections of Southern Luzon and Western Visayas.

The combined conditions make flooding and rain-induced landslides possible, especially in areas that are highly susceptible to such hazards. Regions that have recently experienced substantial rainfall are also at risk.

2. Severe Winds:

• Due to “Egay”, there is the potential for strong breeze to gale-force conditions. Wind Signals may be raised in parts of the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas, especially in the eastern areas, by tomorrow evening or early Sunday.
• The enhanced Southwest Monsoon might lead to strong breeze to near gale conditions with occasional gusts starting Saturday over MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and the western sections of Mindanao.

Hazards Impacting Coastal Waters

On Sunday, “Egay” is expected to cause moderate to rough seas (2.0 to 3.5 m) along the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas. Mariners using small seacrafts should exercise caution. Those inexperienced or with ill-equipped vessels should avoid sailing under these conditions.

Track and Intensity Forecast

Over the next 24 hours, “Egay” will move slowly and generally west-northwestward until late Sunday. Then, it will shift direction toward the northwest over the Philippine Sea east of Luzon. Although the present trajectory suggests that “Egay” will stay offshore to the east of Luzon, a landfall over eastern Cagayan and Batanes has not been ruled out.

Within the next 12 hours, “Egay” is projected to strengthen into a Tropical Storm. During its tenure in the PAR region, it’s anticipated to intensify further, potentially reaching Super Typhoon status by late Monday or early Tuesday.

This advisory by PAGASA, issued at 11:00 am, remains valid until the next update at 5:00 PM today.