LPA outside PAR may become Tropical Storm Wilma, to bring rains by Thursday

A low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a high potential for storm formation within the next 24 hours.

The LPA was last located 1,190 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon and may enter PAR today as an LPA or a tropical depression, which will be named Wilma.

It may reach tropical storm intensity while traversing the Philippine Sea.

However, the strong surge of the northeastern monsoon will inhibit further intensification and steer it southwestward.

Wilma may make landfall over the Eastern Visayas-Caraga area on Saturday or Sunday, then cross the Southern Luzon-Visayas area through Monday or Tuesday.

From Thursday, Wilma's trough may start affecting Bicol and Eastern Visayas, and wind signals may be raised.

The storm will bring heavy to intense rains, especially along its immediate path, and enhanced shear line rains will also affect the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon.