MANILA, Philippines — The low pressure area (LPA) east of the Bicol region has intensified into Tropical Depression Pepito before dawn Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said, although no tropical cyclone wind signal has so far been raised. Pagasa, in its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, said the center of “Pepito” was last spotted 820 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes. “‘Pepito’, which developed into a tropical depression at 2:00 a.m., will likely remain a tropical depression over the next 36 hours and may make landfall as a tropical depression or a weak tropical storm, the weather bureau added. After crossing the landmass of Luzon, “Pepito” may further intensify over the West Philippine Sea and may further intensify into a severe tropical storm by Friday. It is also forecast to make landfall over the eastern coast of Northern Luzon and Central Luzon Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer October 18, 2020 23:37 UTC