Photo source: PAGASA
The low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) developed into Tropical Depression Wilma on Thursday morning, the state weather bureau said.
Pagasa said the weather system intensified into a tropical cyclone at 8 a.m.
The former LPA was last spotted over 700 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas at 4 a.m.
Pagasa will begin issuing Tropical Cyclone Bulletins for Wilma starting 11 a.m.
The agency earlier warned that Wilma could make landfall in the eastern section of the country.
It said possible landfall areas include Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, or Caraga.
Wilma is expected to track westward and cross the Visayas in the coming days.
Pagasa, however, noted that this forecast remains uncertain due to the system’s earlier distance from land.
The public is advised to monitor updates as Wilma continues to develop.