The low pressure area (LPA) off Mindanao intensified into a tropical depression (TD), said state weather bureau PAGASA on Wednesday.
In its 6 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said that the storm was last spotted 790 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
The weather disturbance was given the name “Vinta” as it strengthened into a storm and started to traverse the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
It is heading west at 20 kph and packing maximum winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph.
According to PAGASA, the TD is projected to make landfall over eastern Mindanao between December 23 and 24.
“Scattered to widespread rains is expected over Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao within the next 24 hours,” PAGASA said.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rains are expected to affect several areas in Bohol within the day.
Storm Signal Number 1 has been hoisted over Surigao del Sur and northern Davao Oriental. (A. Doydora)