CEBU CITY, Philippines – Contrary to earlier forecasts, the Pagasa-Mactan reports a significant impact on Cebu as a low-pressure area (LPA) is poised to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on December 16.
“Ang LPA akong gibantayan, possible siya na mosulod na ugma sa buntag, and possible siya na mahimong tropical depression,” said Engineer Al Quiblat, the chief of Pagasa-Mactan.
(I am monitoring the LPA, it is possible that it will enter tomorrow morning, and it is possible that it will become a tropical depression.)
READ: LPA to enter PAR on Saturday but no significant effect for Metro Cebu
Quiblat said they were closely monitoring the LPA, noting the potential for it to enter on the morning of December 16 and develop into a tropical depression.
Moreover, Cebuanos must brace for a bout of rainy weather starting Sunday afternoon until Monday, with today’s weather, December 15, remaining generally fair.
The anticipated conditions include light to moderate, occasionally heavy rains, especially from late Sunday afternoon to Monday morning.
“Critical na siya. Possible na ang mga baha ug dahili sa yuta. Likewise kung mahimo ni siyang bagyo, mukusog sad ang hangin sugod sa Sabado sa hapon hangtod sa Martes,” Quiblat said.
(This is critical. Possible, that there will be floods and landslide. Likewise, if this becomes a storm, there will be strong winds starting Saturday afternoon until Tuesday.)
READ: One to two storms expected in December, says Pagasa-Mactan
According to Quiblat, if the LPA intensifies into a storm, wind speeds of 30 to 55 kilometers per hour are expected, with a gale warning possibility in Central Visayas.
Travelers are advised to carefully plan their journeys, considering potential strandings if a gale warning is issued.
While Eastern Mindanao would experience the first impact of the LPA on Sunday morning, rains are expected in Central Visayas, including Cebu, from late Sunday afternoon.
With this, Quiblat urges the public to stay updated on Pagasa’s regular weather updates, emphasizing the dynamic nature of weather conditions that can change rapidly.