The tropical depression (TD) southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was named “Auring”, a weather specialist said on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) meteorologist Joey Figuracion said “Auring” is not affecting any part of the country yet.
The tail-end of frontal system will bring moderate to at times heavy rains in Eastern Visayas, Sorsogon, Masbate, Albay, Catanduanes, he said.
“We advise residents of those areas to take precautions due to rains,” he added.
PAGASA also forecast light to moderate, with at times heavy rains over Central Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and the rest of Bicol Region.
Isolated flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur due to heavy rainfall or prolonged periods of rainfall, especially in areas identified in hazard maps highly susceptible to these hazards. Adjacent or nearby areas may also experience flooding in the absence of such rainfall occurrence due to surface runoff or swelling of river channels, the bureau warned.
No tropical cyclone wind signal was raised over any part of the country.
Auring was last seen 900 kilometers east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It packs a maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
Figuracion said Auring may bring rains over the weekend through Monday.
Residents in Visayas, Bicol Region, Mimaropa, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Cotabato and Lanao del Sur are advised to take precautions from possible heavy rains and gusty conditions associated with the potential passage of the tropical depression during the weekend through Monday. (PNA)
