Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 8) — A low-pressure area spotted near Mindanao developed into a tropical depression on Sunday night, the state weather bureau said.
In its 11 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA estimated Tropical Depression “Ulysses” to be located 800 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
PAGASA said Ulysses is forecast to move generally northwestward until Tuesday morning, before heading towards the Bicol Region, where it is likely to make landfall on Wednesday.
The bureau said the tropical depression is likely to intensify and reach Tropical Storm category within 24 to 36 hours. It may also reach Typhoon category on Wednesday prior to landfall.
While Ulysses is currently not directly causing severe weather over any portion of the country, PAGASA said the winds and rainfall associated with it will likely begin affecting portions of Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region beginning Tuesday or Wednesday.
It added that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 1 may be raised over some localities in the two regions as early as Monday evening or Tuesday morning in anticipation of the onset of strong breeze to near gale conditions associated with the tropical cyclone.
Ulysses is one of two tropical cyclones currently inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The other one, Tropical Depression Tonyo, will likely intensify into a tropical storm before exiting PAR on Monday morning, according to PAGASA.
