Tropical Depression may enter PAR amid easterlies, northeast monsoon— PAGASA
EM - News Moderator 
A tropical depression is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Monday, while easterlies and the northeast monsoon are expected to drench the country in the next 24 hours, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday.
“We’re not removing the possibility that it may enter PAR, likely by Sunday or Monday,” Leanne Loreto, PAGASA weather specialist, said during a 5:00 a.m. press briefing in Filipino.
“And it is less likely to affect the country and make any landfall,” she added.
The tropical depression was last located 3,145 kilometers East of Central Luzon, packing 45 kilometers per hour (kph) of maximum sustained winds and 55 kph of gustiness.
It will be given the local name Samuel once it enters PAR, making it the country’s 19th tropical cyclone this year.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said easterlies and the northeast monsoon are expected to bring rains across the country.
Areas including the Eastern Visayas, CARAGA and Davao Oriental are likely to be affected by scattered rains and thunderstorms induced by easterlies.
It will also bring rains in Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
PAGASA warned of the possibility of flooding and landslides in the affected areas.
Other areas, including the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cagayan Valley, are likely to be affected by isolated rains caused by the northeast monsoon. PAGASA said that no significant impacts are expected from these areas. — Edg Adrian A. Eva
