The low-pressure area (LPA) that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Saturday has intensified into a tropical depression and has been named 'Nika', the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA reported that Nika was located 1,145 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph. The tropical depression is currently moving westward at a speed of 30 kph.
PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over Catanduanes.
'Nika' is expected to gradually intensify and may reach severe tropical storm status by Monday, ahead of a potential landfall.
