MANILA – Tropical Storm “Seniang” has weakened into a Tropical Depression Wednesday, due to its land interaction in Visayas and partly due to the Northeast Monsoon or “Hangin Amihan”, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In an interview, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jun Galang said Tropical Storm “Seniang” was initially weakened by its land interaction in Visayas, while also being affected by the Northeast Monsoon.
It is the cold wind from Siberia that blows into the country, usually from October until March. It has weakened the hot-aired weather disturbance, through its cold winds.
According to PAGASA’s 10:00 a.m. Weather Bulletin, the Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) No .2 in Palawan, which was issued early Wednesday morning, has been lowered to PSWS No 1.
Palawan will experience moderate to heavy rains with occasional gusty winds, under PSWS No. 1.
Galang said that based on its current movement, the Tropical Depression will make its landfall in Palawan by Thursday morning.
Moreover, PAGASA has also warned residents in low lying and mountainous areas of the province against possible flashfloods and landslides.
Palawan is also estimated to experience rainfall amounting between 7.5 – 15 mm per hour (moderate – heavy) within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.
As of 9:00 a.m., the state-run weather bureau has estimated “Seniang” 245 kilometers South Southeast of Cuyo, Palawan (8.7°N, 121.5°E). It is forecast to move West Southwest at 13 kilometers per hour (kph).
By Thursday morning, “Seniang” is estimated to be located at 220 km South of Puerto Princesa City.
On Friday morning, however, “Seniang” is projected to be 500 km Southwest of Puerto Princesa City or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The PAGASA weather forecaster noted the weather disturbance is heading either towards Thailand or Malaysia, based on its current track.