Lannie exits Philippines; rain, strong winds to continue

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Lannie is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) today, but light to moderate and sometimes heavy rain and strong winds may still prevail in some parts of the country.

As this developed, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) spotted another low-pressure area 1,680 kilometers east of Mindanao yesterday morning.

The new weather disturbance will be named Maring once it develops into a storm. It is expected to enter PAR tomorrow.

After making 10 landfalls yesterday, Lannie is over the West Philippine Sea by now, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour, gustiness of 55 kph and speed of 25 kph, PAGASA said.

Strong winds may prevail in coastal and mountainous areas located at the tip of Luzon as well as in the Bangsamoro region, Bicol, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Central Luzon, the Cordilleras, Ilocos Norte, Western Visayas and Zamboanga peninsula.

A gale warning was issued over Babuyan Islands, Batanes and Ilocos Norte, prohibiting small sea vessels or fishing boats from sailing, PAGASA said.

Moderate to heavy rain will be experienced in Palawan while some parts of the country including Metro Manila will have light to moderate and sometimes heavy rain, according to the state weather bureau.