PAGASA monitors LPA off north Luzon

State weather forecasters are monitoring a new low-pressure area (LPA) off northern Luzon that may intensify into a cyclone. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA was estimated at 230 km east of northern Luzon as of 2 a.m. In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the LPA is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the whole country. While PAGASA did not elaborate on the chances of the LPA intensifying into a cyclone, weather site Typhoon2000 indicated that as of Friday the weather condition had a 70-percent chance of intensifying in 48 hours. Should the LPA become a cyclone, it will be codenamed "Florita." Meanwhile, PAGASA said the whole country will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms for Friday. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the East and Northeast will prevail over the Northern and eastern sections of Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough, it said. Light to moderate winds coming from the East and Northeast will prevail over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas. — LBG, GMANews.TV