A tropical depression off extreme Northern Luzon entered Philippine territory Friday, but state weather forecasters said it is not likely to make landfall.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the cyclone, codenamed “Henry," will enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains to parts of the country.
“Ito medyo malayo at maliit ang tsansa na magla-landfall. Pero palalakasin nito ang habagat (It is far from land and there is little chance of it making landfall. But it will enhance the southwest monsoon)," PAGASA forecaster Gener Quitlong said in an interview on dzBB radio.
PAGASA's 5 a.m. advisory said that as of 4 a.m., “Henry" was estimated at 1,120 km east of Basco town in Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center.
It was moving at 22 kph west-northwest, PAGASA added.
By Saturday morning, it is expected to be 690 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes. On Sunday morning it is expected to be 510 km north-northeast of Basco, Batanes.
No public storm warning signals were raised. PAGASA said "Henry" is presently too far to affect any part of the country.
“This tropical cyclone is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and bring rains over Luzon and the Visayas, particularly the western sections," it added.
When asked about the chance of Henry making landfall on any part of the country, Quitlong said, “sa ngayon base sa among modelo, di mangyayari yan (for now, based on our models, it is not likely to happen)."
On the other hand, he said a second low-pressure area (LPA) off Northern Luzon had dissolved.
Earlier, the National Disaster Coordinating Council reported floods caused by the two LPAs in parts of Metro Manila.
The flooded areas included Bayanihan and Almazor Streets in Pasay City; and Doña Soledad Extension in Moonwalk village in Las Piñas City. — LBG
