According to a new weather forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), at 10:00 a.m. on July 16, the low-lying area east of Catanduanes developed into a tropical depression named Crising.
The center of the tropical depression is estimated at about 14.0 degrees North latitude - 130.9 degrees East longitude, about 725 km east of Virac, Catanduanes.
The strongest wind near the center of the tropical depression reached 45 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h. The low pressure is moving west at a speed of 35 km/h. Strong winds extend up to 280 km from the center of the tropical depression.
The tropical depression is expected to strengthen into a storm at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, July 17, when it continues to move towards the East Sea.
In the following days, the storm may continue to strengthen into a severe tropical storm before entering the East Sea on the morning of July 19.
Due to the influence of the tropical depression about to become a storm, Bicol, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Mimaropa, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Zambales, Bataan will have cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms. During thunderstorms, there is a possibility of flash floods and landslides.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on July 16, the East Sea area (east of the central and southern East Sea, including Truong Sa), the Gulf of Thailand, the sea area from Ca Mau to An Giang, the sea area from Lam Dong to Ho Chi Minh City will have scattered showers and thunderstorms. During thunderstorms, there is a possibility of tornadoes and strong gusts of wind. Waves are over 2.0m high.
Strong southwest winds of level 5, sometimes level 6, gusting to level 7 (area from Lam Dong to Ho Chi Minh City).
Ships operating in the above areas need to be on guard against tornadoes, strong gusts of wind and big waves.
People and tourists planning to travel to the northern Philippines, which is affected by the tropical depression, should pay attention to weather forecasts. Check flight schedules, transport units and hotels to proactively plan and ensure safety.
