Weather: Low-pressure area in Visayas now tropical depression 'Falcon'

(Updated 11:57 A.M.) The low-pressure area east of the Visayas has intensified into a tropical depression before noon on Tuesday but it is not expected to make its presence felt until at least Wednesday. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Connie Dadivas said the cyclone, codenamed "Falcon," continues to gather strength at sea. "Meron na tayong bagyo, namuo ang LPA sa hilaga ng Kabisayaan, naging tropical depression at ang pangalan nito ay 'Falcon,'" Dadivas said in an interview on dzBB radio. In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Falcon packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and was moving west northwest at 19 kph. By Wednesday morning, it is expected to be 440 km east of Virac, Catanduanes. By Thursday morning, it is expected to be 420 km east northeast of Casiguran, Aurora. On Friday morning, it is expected to be 350 km east of Basco, Batanes. No storm signals yet However, Dadivas she said there are no storm signals at this time, saying the tropical depression is still too far to affect any part of the country. Dadivas also said "Falcon" could be more powerful than "Egay." "Ine-expect natin mas malakas ang habagat ng ma-enhance nito, mas maulan tayo," she said. Dadivas said PAGASA expects "Falcon" to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon starting on Wednesday. "Posibleng Wednesday night o Thursday, tuloy ito hanggang paglabas," she said. "Posibleng magkaroon ng two to three days na maulan sa Luzon," she added. But for Tuesday, she said residents can expect "improved" weather. HK braces for 'Egay' Meanwhile, Hong Kong is bracing for rains from tropical depression "Egay," which left Philippine territory Monday. In a tropical cyclone bulletin, the Hong Kong Observatory said the tropical depression is centered within about 800 km of Hong Kong and may affect the area. "According to the present forecast track, the tropical depression will edge near the coast of Guangdong in the next couple of days. Local winds will strengthen gradually with heavy squally showers on Wednesday and Thursday," it said. "Under the influence of the extensive convection over the central part of the South China Sea, the circulation of the tropical depression is undergoing restructuring. In the past few hours, it has slowed down and there might still be changes to its future movement," it said. The Hong Kong newspaper "The Standard" said strengthening winds possibly reaching gale force are expected Tuesday evening together with showers. The Standard said the "Standby No. 1 Signal" was hoisted as early as 9:35 p.m. Monday. Precautions The Hong Kong Observatory issued precautions for possible effects of the tropical depression. The precautions include: "1. Gutters and drains should be cleared of obstructions. Hinges, bolts, locks and shutters of windows and doors should be checked. 2. Those who have definite duties during a tropical cyclone should now remain on call or contact their control centres from time to time. 3. Since there may be swells, you are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports. 4. If you are planning to visit Guangdong, Macau, any of the off-shore islands or remote parts of Hong Kong, you are reminded that changes in weather may affect your plans. 5. Engineers, architects and contractors should make sure that scaffoldings, hoardings and other temporary structures are secured. 6. Listen to radio, watch TV or browse the Hong Kong Observatory's web site for information on the tropical cyclone." - VVP/RSJ, GMA News