Tropical depression 'Egay' threatens Samar, Bicol

Naga City (UPDATED June 18 2011, 6:00 AM) - A new tropical depression code named 'Egay' is now hovering off the coast of Samar Island and has accelerated its movement towards the eastern coast of the Bicol region.

As of 12:00 A.M. (Midnight) today the center of Egay was located at 11.9º North Latitude 127.5º East Longitude - or 230 kilometers East-Northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar; 400 kilometers Southeast of Virac, Catanduanes 505 kilometers Southeast of Naga City. Egay packs a one-minute wind velocity of 45 kilometers per hour near the center with gusts up to 65 kilometers per hour, moving West-Northwesterly at 24 kilometers per hour towards the East coast of Bicol.

While maintaining its strength, Egay accelerated its West-Northwesterly movement from 15 kilometers per hour last night to 24 kilometers per hour this morning towards the general direction of the Bicol East coasts- hence, revising all projections.

This morning Egay shall intensify slightly while still over the Philippine Sea, 345 km East of Legazpi City. This evening it slightly intensifies while passing East-Northeast of Bicol, about 175 km ENE of Pandan, Catanduanes.

Tomorrow morning (Sunday), Egay shall maintain its Tropical Depression strength while still in the Philippine Sea, 280 kilometers East-Southeast of Casiguran, Aurora. In the evening Egay shall pass near the coast of Isabela-Cagayan Area, about 190 kilometers East of Ilagan City, Isabela.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Egay would enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over the western sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.