Gloomy week for Cebu, as LPA becomes typhoon

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) urged the public to be alert and brace for a rainy week.

The low-pressure area (LPA) that was spotted east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur last Tuesday has now developed into a tropical depression and has already entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

It is locally named Urduja.

“Tropical Depression Urduja currently has maximum winds of 55 km/h and gustiness of up to 65 km/h. It is forecast to move North Northwest at 7 km/hr.   Cloudy skies moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected throughout the entire week,” PAGASA’s five-day weather outlook report read.

Weather Specialist Van Singson said the first day of the Misa de Gallo on Saturday will still light to moderate rains.

He also advised the public to never leave the house without their rain gears.  He added that it is advisable to stay indoors as these rains are expected to cause severe traffic and flooding in major areas of Cebu.

Overcast skies with widespread moderate to heavy rains are expected for today and tomorrow, and would have rain intensity of 50 to 100 mm.

Weather is expected to normalize by Sunday.

As of this writing, no tropical cyclone warning signal has been raised in the country.

Fishermen are advised not to sail over the eastern seaboard of Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Caraga because of the moderate to rough seas that accompany the tropical depression.  Tropical Depression Urduja may intensify into a Tropical Storm within 36 hours.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) urged the public to prioritize safety during the celebration of Misa de Gallo and Simbang Gabi.

CCPO’s Deputy City Director for Administration Artemio Ricabo advised parishioners not bring any expensive valuables during these events as this will tempt lawless elements. (FREEMAN)