The low pressure area being monitored by the state weather bureau has intensified into a tropical depression as of early Friday morning, with forecasts indicating it may strengthen into a typhoon, according to BusinessWorld.
The tropical depression developed at around 2 a.m. and will be named Francisco once it reaches tropical storm strength. The bureau warned that the system may trigger the hoisting of Storm Signal No. 1 over some areas as it continues to move across the Philippine area of responsibility.
Residents in affected regions are advised to monitor updates from the weather bureau and prepare for possible heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding. The depression is expected to intensify further in the coming days.