Tropical Depression Crising forms, set to intensify

A low pressure area (LPA) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility developed into a tropical depression named 'Crising' on Wednesday, July 16.

As of 11:00 AM today, Crising was located 725 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes and moving westward at 35 kph with sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts up to 55 kph.

PAGASA warned that Crising is expected to intensify into a tropical storm by Thursday and could further become a severe tropical storm by Friday. It is projected to be closest to Northern Luzon, potentially making landfall in the Babuyan Islands on Friday night.

The southwest monsoon (habagat) will be enhanced by Crising, bringing significant rainfall over Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Luzon through the weekend.

Crising is the third tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year, following Tropical Cyclones Auring in June and Bising (Danas) in July.