MANILA, Philippines — Although it is not expected to hit the land, Tropical Depression Domeng may strengthen to tropical storm status by Friday, state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of “Domeng” was spotted 805 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar.
It packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kilometers per hour.
Moving north-northwest at 15 kilometers per hour, the tropical depression is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Sunday morning.
Although no tropical cyclone warning signal has been issued, “Domeng” will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over Eastern Visayas and Bicol region.
It will also trigger the “habagat” or southwest monsoon, which will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over Mimaropa and Western Visayas starting Thursday and over the western section of Luzon by Friday.