Weather: Potential cyclone approaches Leyte

A low-pressure area that state weather forecasters consider a potential cyclone threatened to trigger flash floods and landslides in parts of Luzon and the Visayas as it moved closer to Leyte province before noon Tuesday. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the LPA was estimated at 60 km north of Maasin, Southern Leyte as of 8 a.m. "This weather system is expected to bring scattered to widespread rains over Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas, particularly over the eastern sections which may trigger flash floods and landslides. The rest of the country will be mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms," PAGASA said in its 10:30 a.m. update. The weather bureau advised residents in these areas to take all necessary precautionary measures. Earlier, PAGASA forecaster Elson Dianela said the LPA may become a tropical depression Wednesday, while it moves towards the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Dianela also said that while the LPA's clouds are bringing rain to parts of Metro Manila, it is not likely to affect the National Capital Region if it becomes a cyclone. Should the LPA become a cyclone, it will be codenamed "Sendong." — RSJ, GMA News