A LOW pressure area east of Batanes developed into a tropical depression early yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
The tropical depression, the country’s eight cyclone for this year and third for this month, was named “Huaning.”
It was forecast to be some 695 km northeast of Itbayat at 2 p.m. today, out of the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).
Based on a bulletin issued by PAGASA at 5 p.m. yesterday, Huaning was some 555 km east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes as of 4 p.m. yesterday.
Huaning was moving northward slowly. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
PAGASA said Huaning is projected to be some 845 km north northeast of extreme northern Luzon at around 2 a.m. Wednesday.
“Huaning is unlikely to directly affect the country throughout the forecast period,” PAGASA said, adding Huaning is also “unlikely to affect the sea condition in the coastal waters of the country.”
It said Huaning will move generally northward and may exit the PAR this morning.
“On the track forecast, the tropical depression may pass near or over the Ryukyu Islands (in Japan) tomorrow (Tuesday) morning or afternoon,” said PAGASA.
PAGASA said Huaning will likely remain as a tropical depression throughout the forecast period.
“However, intensification into a tropical storm remains not ruled out but not the most likely scenario at this time,” added PAGASA.
