The low pressure area east of the country has intensified into a tropical depression that could pack Signal No. 4 winds, PAGASA said, as it advised the public to stay updated with the storm's track.
The tropical depression, which will be named Odette once it enters PAR, was spotted 2,095 kilometers east of Mindanao at 10 a.m. on Sunday. It packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gusts up to 55 kph.
Due to the tropical cyclone's track and intensity forecast, PAGASA said it is likely that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals will be raised over provinces in Visayas and Mindanao, with the highest possible wind signal at Signal No. 4, meaning 171-220 kph winds.
The tropical cyclone is forecast to move west northwest over the next three days and may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday. By Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, it will begin to move westward and may make landfall over the Eastern Visayas and Caraga region.
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Within the next 24 hours from early Sunday, the tropical depression may reach tropical storm category and may even develop into typhoon category by Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning.
"Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to continue monitoring for updates related to this tropical cyclone," PAGASA said.
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