LPA east of Visayas may become tropical depression Wilma by Wednesday

A low pressure area (LPA) east of the Visayas now has a high potential to develop into a tropical depression and may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday.

If it enters PAR, it will be named Wilma, the first storm in December and the 23rd this year.

The LPA was estimated to be 1,290 km east of Eastern Visayas as of 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Once it develops into a tropical depression, it is forecast to make landfall in the Caraga-Eastern Visayas region.

It is seen to cross the CARAGA, Visayas, and Southern Luzon, potentially bringing heavy rains.

In the second week of December, it is expected to move towards the Mindoro and Palawan area before exiting the PAR.

There is a high uncertainty regarding the storm's intensity and track, with a warning of widespread flooding and landslides in Central Philippines.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Koto was spotted 470 km northwest of Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan outside the PAR, packing winds of 45 km/h and gustiness of 55 km/h.