By Brian Campued
The low pressure area (LPA) being monitored west of Ilocos Region developed into Tropical Depression Fabian on Friday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of 10:00 a.m., the center of Fabian was located 185 km west of Batac, Ilocos Norte. It packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gustiness of up to 55 kph, while moving northwestward at 10 kph.
However, no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) is hoisted in any parts of the country, PAGASA said.
In its bulletin, the state weather bureau said the tropical depression is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Friday night or early Saturday morning, Aug. 9.
“Fabian is forecast to maintain its strength until it weakens into a remnant low as it exits the PAR,” it added.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Podul, which was last located 2,550 km east of Extreme Northern Luzon, may enter the PAR on Sunday, Aug. 10, or Monday, Aug. 11 and will be given the local name “Gorio”.
In a 5:00 a.m. weather briefing, PAGASA Weather Specialist, Loriedin De La Cruz-Galicia said the tropical storm is also possible to intensify into typhoon strength by the time it enters the PAR.
“Nakikita nga natin na itong bagyong ito, ngayon ay nasa tropical storm, pero sa mga susunod na araw ay unti-unti pa rin po itong lalakas,” De La Cruz-Galicia said.
-jpv
