TD “Urduja” to become a tropical storm before it hits the Philippines

Tropical Depression "Urduja" formed December 12, 2017, near Palau and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm before it makes landfall in Sorsogon – Northern Samar area of the Philippines on December 15.

A low-pressure area developed into a tropical depression east of Mindanao, Philippines late December 11, and the JMA began to issue tropical cyclone warnings early December 12.

At 06:00 UTC December 13, the center of Tropical Depression "Urduja" was located 940 km (590 miles) ESE of Manilla, Philippines. 10-minute sustained winds were at 55 km/h (35 mph) with gusts up to 85 km/h (50 mph). The minimum estimated central pressure was at 1 004 hPa, and the system was moving north slowly.

At 07:00 UTC, PAGASA said the system has slightly changed its course as it continues to move closer to Sorsogon – Northern Samar area of the Philippines.

Estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 350 km (220 miles) diameter of the storm.

PAGASA advised fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Bicol Region, of Eastern Visayas due to moderate to rough seas associated with the approaching Tropical Depression.

Bicol Region, Visayas, Mindanao and the regions of Mimaropa and Calabarzon can expect cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rain showers and thunderstorms caused by Urduja. Flashfloods and landslides are possible.

Tropical Depression "Urduja" on December 13, 2017. Credit: NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP / VIIRS

TD Urduja is expected to become a tropical storm on Thursday, December 14 and make landfall on Friday, December 15.

Featured image: Tropical Depression "Urduja" on December 13, 2017. Credit: NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP / VIIRS