Weather: LPA intensifies into Tropical Depression Juaning

The low-pressure area east of Visayas intensified into a tropical depression and has been codenamed "Juaning," the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Monday. PAGASA also warned of rains over Metro Manila in the afternoon, during President Benigno Aquino III's State of the Nation Address. "Maari itong dumaan sa lupa sa extreme northern luzon tulad ng Cagayan (at) Batanes (There is a chance it may pass through extreme Northern Luzon like Cagayan and Batanes)," PAGASA forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said in an interview on dzBB radio. In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Juaning was estimated at 350 km east southeast of Virac, Catanduanes as of 10 a.m., packing maximum winds of 55 kph near the center and is moving northwest at 15 kph. By Tuesday morning, it is expected to be 180 km north northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or 320 km east southeast of Casiguran, Aurora. Come Wednesday morning, it is expected to be 90 km north of Casiguran, Aurora or 140 km southeast of Aparri, Cagayan. On Thursday morning it is forecast to be 200 km northwest of Aparri, Cagayan. While no storm warning signals have been raised so far, PAGASA said Juaning will continue to bring rains over Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, becoming widespread in the Bicol Region and Samar area. 'Heavy' rains possible over Metro Manila Meanwhile, PAGASA forecast "light to moderate rains" over Metro Manila. Light rains are also expected over Cagayan de Oro and Bulacan, it said. "Ang ganitong sitwasyon [ay] maaaring tulad kahapon sa hapon o gabi [na] may malakas na ulan (There may be heavy rains in the afternoon and evening like Sunday)," Aurelio added. He also said flash floods and landslides are possible in Bicol at Samar due to possible heavy downpour. — RSJ, GMA News