LPA east of Mindanao enters PAR, may become tropical depression Verbena within 24 hours

A low-pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday morning and has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within 24 hours, to be named Verbena.

The LPA, monitored at 715 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, may affect Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao Region, the rest of Bicol Region, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Its trough is already affecting Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao Region, Eastern Visayas, and Bohol, bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms.

Residents in these affected areas are warned against possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains.

Verbena is forecast to make landfall over the Caraga region on Monday evening and move northwestward through Visayas and northern MIMAROPA before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by early Wednesday.

Moderate to heavy rains are expected across Visayas, Bicol, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA, and the storm may also enhance the effects of the shear line affecting Cagayan Valley and Aurora.

Specific areas in Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Mindanao are expected to receive 50 to 100 mm of rainfall on Monday.

PAGASA warned of strong winds and rough coastal waters in Northern Luzon and the eastern sections of Visayas, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon.

The LPA is expected to bring widespread rains over the Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of the Bicol Region on Monday.

The highest possible intensity while it traverses land is either a tropical depression or a tropical storm.