PAGASA: Weather systems may bring flash floods to east PHL

A potential cyclone and an inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) may bring rain that can trigger flash floods and landslides in the eastern part of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Saturday. In its 10:30 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said the potential cyclone – a shallow low-pressure area – was estimated at 380 km east-northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar, embedded along the ITCZ. “These weather systems will bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in the country. However, widespread rains are still expected over the Eastern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao which may trigger flashfloods and landslides," it said. PAGASA did not say if the SLPA will intensify into a cyclone. If it becomes a cyclone while inside Philippine territory, it will be codenamed “Sendong." Earlier, Science Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr. said two weather disturbances would likely pass through the country and become cyclones only after they have exited Philippine territory. On the other hand, PAGASA’s 5 a.m. bulletin indicated the rest of the country will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. — LBG, GMA News