A tropical depression named “Auring” entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday, the first cyclone to visit in 2021.
As of Wednesday’s 3 p.m. bulletin, the center of “Auring” was estimated at 700 kilometers east-southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Packing maximum sustained winds of 55kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph, it was moving west-northwest at 15 kph.
A tail-end of a frontal system is affecting the eastern sections of Southern Luzon and the Visayas.
The northeast monsoon is also affecting the rest of Luzon.
“Auring” is forecast to make landfall in the Caraga region on the night of Feb. 20 or on the morning of Feb. 21.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration meteorologist Joey Figuracion said "Auring" is not yet affecting any part of the country.
The tail-end of a frontal system will bring moderate to at times heavy rain in Eastern Visayas, Sorsogon, Masbate, Albay and Catanduanes, he said.
"We advise the residents of those areas to take precautions due to rain," he said.
PAGASA also forecast light to moderate with at times heavy rain over Central Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and the rest of Bicol Region.
Isolated flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur due to heavy rainfall or prolonged periods of rainfall, especially in the areas identified in hazard maps that are highly susceptible to these hazards.
Adjacent or nearby areas may also experience flooding in the absence of such rainfall due to surface runoff or swelling of river channels, the bureau warned.
But no tropical cyclone wind signal was raised over any part of the country.
“Auring” was last seen 900 kilometers east-southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
