MANILA, Philippines — The low pressure area in the Philippine Sea east of Extreme Luzon has finally become a storm and will be called Tropical Depression Obet — just a few days after Typhoon Neneng left the Philippines.
The center of the typhoon was spotted 1,055 kilometers east of Southern Luzon, according to PAGASA's latest forecast, at around 4 am on Wednesday.
Wind strength : 45 kilometers per hour near the center
Wind gust : up to 55 kilometers per hour
Movement : 10 kilometers per hour
Direction : north northwest
"Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains are possible over Friday evening through Saturday morning," state meteorologists said.
"Light to moderate with at times heavy rains are possible over Batanes, the northern parts of Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga and the rest of mainland Cagayan.
The said LPA became a full tropical depression within the Philippine Area of Responsibility around 2 am earlier .
According to PAGASA's forecast track, the eye of typhoon "Obet" may cross Extreme Northern Luzon or the northern part of mainland Northern Luzon between Friday night and Saturday morning.
"Obet is forecast to gradually intensify by mid Friday as it tracks closer to Extreme Northern Luzon and may reach tropical storm category by late Friday or early Saturday," dagdag pa ng state weather bureau.
"Further intensification is likely once Obet reaches the West Philippine Sea."
Based on the latest forecast scenario, the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal may be raised in some areas in Northern Luzon tonight or tomorrow morning.
The highest wind signal seen to be declared during the passage of typhoon "Obet" so far is Signal no. 2.