Tropical Depression 04W near Philippines may become the first tropical cyclone in 2012

A low pressure area east of the Philippines is expected to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over most parts of Luzon and the Visayas in the next three days. The active low pressure area has intensified into a tropical depression. The tropical depression is named “Ambo,” and once it intensifies it could become the first tropical cyclone for 2012. For now, Tropical Depression “AMBO” has maintained its strength as it continues to move northwestward.

According to latest warning issued by Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Tropical Depression 04W is located 350 nm east of Manila, Philippines and is moving northwestward at speed of 11 knots (20 km/h or 12,5 mph). Maximum significant wave height is 3 meters (10 feet).

According to PAGASA, at 4:00 a.m. today, Tropical Depression “AMBO”was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 260 km Northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar (13.4°N, 127.3°E) with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h (34 mph) near the center. It is forecast to move northwest at 17 km/h (10,5 mph).

Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming cloudy with widespread rains over the eastern section of Visayas and Mindanao which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

Sources: PAGASA, JTWC, EarthSnapshots