PAGASA: Potential cyclone nears N. Ecija province

A potential cyclone – a shallow low-pressure area – approached Nueva Ecija province and threatens to trigger flash floods and landslides on parts of Northern and Central Luzon, state weather forecasters said. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the SLPA was estimated in the vicinity of Cabanatuan City as of 8 a.m., embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). "Widespread rains are still expected over the Northern and Central Luzon and Quezon Province which may trigger flash floods and landslides," PAGASA said in its 10:30 a.m. advisory. It added the SLPA and the ITCZ may also bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in the country. Should the SLPA become a cyclone while inside Philippine territory, it will be codenamed "Sendong." Earlier, Science Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr. said that even if the SLPA becomes a cyclone, it would have exited Philippine territory by then. — LBG, GMA News