PAGASA tracks new potential cyclone as 'Onyok' nears PHL again

State weather forecasters are tracking a new potential cyclone – a low-pressure area – off Batanes, even as tropical cyclone "Roke" (local codename Onyok) threatens to re-enter Philippine territory. But Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Sonny Pajarilla said Friday the LPA has a weak chance of becoming a cyclone, at least for now. "Sa kasalukuyan medyo mababa ang chance into na mag-intensify dahil malapit si Roke at hihigupin ito. Si 'Onyok' ito sa labas, international name niya Roke," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. He noted that while Roke is outside Philippine territory, it is still enhancing the southwest monsoon. Pajarilla said there is a chance Roke will approach the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the weekend but will likely graze the borderline. "Tinitingnan natin ang possibility pero sa kasalukuyan hindi na siya papasok, lalapit lang sa hilagang bahagi ng PAR line," he said. Should Roke re-enter Philippine territory, he said it will still be named Onyok. Hours earlier, PAGASA said on its Twitter account that its numerical models indicated a chance of Roke re-entering the PAR. "Numerical models indicate there is a chance of re-entering PAR," it said. As of 2 a.m. Friday, PAGASA said the new LPA was estimated at 150 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes. "Luzon and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms becoming cloudy with scattered to widespread rains over the eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon. Visayas will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms," PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. bulletin. — LBG, GMA News