'Pilandok' slightly intensifies over Philippine Sea, may become storm
Tropical Depression Pilandok is intensifying over the Philippine Sea and is expected to become a tropical storm before moving away from the Philippines. While the cyclone is not expected to make landfall, it is enhancing the southwest monsoon, bringing heavy rain and flood risks to Luzon and Metro Manila.
Why it matters
The storm's interaction with the monsoon poses a significant risk of flash floods and landslides for densely populated regions in the Philippines.
MANILA, Philippines - Tropical Depression Pilandok slightly intensified early Monday while remaining almost stationary over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA said.
As of 4 a.m. Aug. 31, Pilandok was 1,130 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gusts of up to 70 kph.
Strong winds extended up to 450 kilometers from its center. No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal was in effect.
PAGASA said Pilandok may briefly intensify into a tropical storm by Tuesday afternoon before weakening back into a tropical depression by Wednesday morning.
The cyclone is forecast to move generally north-northwestward and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.
It is unlikely to make landfall and is expected to remain far from the Philippine landmass.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in