WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Tropical Depression Pilandok Forms, Remains Offshore, Forecast to Weaken
WHY IT MATTERS
The forecast that Pilandok will remain offshore reduces the immediate threat to Philippine islands, but the expected heavy rains and strong winds still pose significant flooding and landslide risks, requiring local authorities to prepare and issue warnings.
What happened
A low‑pressure area inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility developed into Tropical Depression Pilandok at 8 am Sunday, 1,225 km east of Northern Luzon. The system is moving west‑northwest at 15 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and gusts up to 55 km/h. PAGASA says Pilandok is unlikely to make landfall and will stay far from the Philippine mainland. The depression is expected to remain a tropical depression until Tuesday, September 1, when it will weaken into a remnant low over the Philippine Sea south of Japan’s southern islands. Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Saudel has weakened to a low‑pressure area but still has a medium chance of redevelopment. Heavy to intense rainfall (100–200 mm) is forecast for several Luzon provinces from Sunday noon to Monday noon, with continued heavy rain and strong winds expected through early September, raising flash‑flood and landslide risks.
PAGASA will continue monitoring the system and issue updated rainfall outlooks as the depression progresses.
PRIMARY SOURCES
LPA develops into Tropical Depression Pilandok
Rappler · Jee Y. Geronimo · Discovery only; publisher copyright terms apply