Metro Manila, 6 other areas now under Storm Signal No. 1

A low-pressure area west of Luzon has intensified into a tropical depression before noon on Thursday and Metro Manila and six other areas were placed under Storm Signal No. 1. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) codenamed the cyclone "Dodong," and said it may remain within Philippine territory until this weekend. "Expected na natin na maulan ngayong araw hanggang gabi, then gradually mag-i-improve ang weather late tomorrow," PAGASA weather forecaster Robert Sawi said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said "Dodong" packed winds with a speed of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center. The cyclone was moving north-northwest at 15 kph. Aside from Metro Manila, the areas under Storm Signal No. 1 are Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Pangasinan, and Cavite. Sawi said "Luzon will have rainy weather. More rains are expected in the western areas such as Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac and Pangasinan." Asked when Dodong is expected to exit Philippine territory, Sawi said "Matatagalan pa, in the next two days sa loob ng Philippine area of responsibility pa ito." Earlier on Thursday, the Department of Education-National Capital Region suspended classes at preschool, elementary and high school levels due to continuous rain since Wednesday. Some schools in Central and Southern Luzon suspended their classes due to inclement weather. — LBG/VVP, GMA News