Weather: Potential cyclone may bring floods, landslides over western Luzon

A potential cyclone off Batanes may trigger flash floods and landslides in the western section of Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Friday. In its 11:00 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said the LPA was estimated at 380 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes in Extreme Northern Luzon as of 8:00 a.m. "Scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms are expected in Luzon but widespread rains (are) likely over its western section which may trigger flashfloods and landslides," it said. PAGASA said the LPA is part of the monsoon trough, which along with the southwest monsoon is affecting Luzon. Earlier, PAGASA forecaster Gener Quitlong said the LPA over Batanes may become a cyclone but is not likely to do so in the next 24 hours. Should the LPA become a cyclone while still inside Philippine territory, it will be codenamed "Goring." Quitlong also said the potential cyclone is moving away from the Philippines and appears to be heading for Taiwan. But he said there is also a chance a new LPA may form in the coming days, once the LPA over Batanes leaves the Philippine area of responsibility. - VVP, GMA News