Tropical Depression ‘Jenny’ enters PH

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29) — Tropical depression 'Jenny' entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the low pressure area east of Central Luzon entered the country's weather monitoring zone and strengthened into a tropical depression at 2 p.m.

PAGASA said wind signals may be hoisted over Extreme Northern Luzon on Sunday or Monday in anticipation of the onset of tropical cyclone severe winds.

"The hoisting may happen earlier should there be changes in the forecast scenario," it added.

In its 11 p.m. bulletin, the weather bureau said Jenny was seen 1,050 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon with a maximum strength of 55 kilometers per hour (km/h), gustiness of 70 km/h, and is moving westward at 15 km/h.

It is forecast to steadily intensify, and may become a tropical storm by Saturday. It could then strengthen into a typhoon by Monday or Tuesday.

"Tropical Depression Jenny is not directly affecting the country at this time," PAGASA said. "However, due to the proximity of the track forecast to Extreme Northern Luzon, heavy rainfall over Batanes and Babuyan Islands may be experienced on Tuesday or Wednesday."

Palawan, Romblon, most of the Visayas, and Dinagat Islands are forecast to experience gusty conditions on Sunday.

It added that the cyclone may begin enhancing the 'habagat' or southwest monsoon on Sunday, resulting in occasional rains over the western portions of Central and Southern Luzon.

PAGASA has not raised any storm signals but warned that these may be hoisted over Northern Luzon beginning Sunday in anticipation of severe winds.

Jenny is the 10th tropical cyclone to enter the PAR this year, and the second storm in September after Ineng.