LPA develops into Tropical Depression Henry; gale-force winds to hit nearly 10 areas — PAGASA

The low pressure area (LPA) being monitored over the past few days developed into Tropical Depression Henry, which is expected to bring strong to gale-force winds to nearly 10 areas in Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday.

In an 11:00 a.m. press briefing, PAGASA said the LPA developed into a tropical depression early Wednesday morning. It maintained maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

The country’s eighth tropical cyclone this year was last located 240 kilometers west southwest of Abucay, Bataan.

PAGASA said Henry is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning as it moves farther away from the country. The weather disturbance is then expected to intensify into a tropical storm by Thursday evening.

PAGASA has lifted all Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals, based on its 11:00 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin.

However, Henry’s periphery, along with the effects of the southwest monsoon, is expected to bring strong to gale-force winds to nearly 10 areas, particularly in coastal and upland areas.

These include Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON and MIMAROPA.

Similar wind conditions are expected in at least six areas on Thursday, including Batanes, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan and Palawan.

PAGASA advised residents living in hazard-prone areas, particularly coastal and upland communities, to follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local government officials. — Edg Adrian A. Eva