LPA becomes tropical depression Usman

MANILA, Philippines — The low-pressure area east of Mindanao yesterday developed into tropical depression Usman but it has no direct effect on any part of the country yet, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

As of 3 p.m., Usman was located at 955 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph.

It was forecast to move northwest at 20 kph.

Usman is the 21st tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

PAGASA said the northeast monsoon would bring cloudy skies with light rains over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands and isolated light rains over Ilocos region.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers due to thunderstorms.

PAGASA senior weather specialist Raymond Ordinario said the weather disturbance was forecast to move closer to the Visayas by Friday.

PAGASA said the low-pressure area over Palawan exited the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday and was no longer affecting the country.

Sea travel suspension

As this developed, sea travel during the holiday break might be suspended if the weather condition worsens, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

PCG commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino said they are closely monitoring the weather reports to be issued by PAGASA in various parts of the country, and if the safety of passengers is compromised, they might temporarily stop sea travel in a particular area.   – With Evelyn Macairan