Weather: LPA may become stronger than “Dodong" – PAGASA

PAGASA is now monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) in the Pacific Ocean that might turn into a tropical storm stronger than “Dodong." The LPA has not yet entered the Philippine area of responsibility but is expected to do so Tuesday night or Wednesday. Should the LPA turn into a tropical storm, it will be given the name “Egay." “Base doon sa model namin, magkakaroon siya ng rapid intensification so in a day or two, baka meron na tayong bagyo. [That is], kung mangyayari ‘yung rapid intensification," said PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz on GMA News’ “24 Oras." “Egay" is not expected to make landfall but may still bring rains in [the] Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila as it would coax the Southwest monsoon in the West Philippine Seas.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Whether the LPA turns into a storm or not, the weather disturbances in the country are expected to end by Saturday or Sunday, said PAGASA. However, PAGASA clarified that the LPA might change its course and advised the public to check the weather bureau’s website (www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/) or call their hotline (433-ULAN) for updates. On Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the death toll from tropical cyclone “Dodong" had already risen to three. Another person was injured while 12 remain missing, according to the council. It said 1,151 people from 14 villages in Batangas, Cavite and Taguig City were evacuated at the height of the floods caused by “Dodong." In Baler, Aurora the flood caused by days of rains is still at knee-level because of the bad drainage system, said Barangay Captian Carlito Morillo of Suklayin village. Baler is not alone. When classes opened last week, schools in Malabon City found themselves facing their perennial flooding problem. — With Bea Cupin/VS, GMA News