The low pressure area (LPA) located east of Mindanao has continued to intensify and may become a tropical depression come Friday afternoon, according to state weather forecasters on Thursday (July 26).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on its 5 p.m. update on Thursday that the LPA was estimated at 470 kilometers east of Hinatuan City in Surigao del Sur.

Weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the weather system is gathering strength from the sea, which may intensify into a typhoon as it moves closer to the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

Aurelio said that the LPA will be named “Gener,” the seventh to enter the country should it intensify into a typhoon.

It will bring rain and thunderstorms in eastern Visayas and Mindanao. Residents in low areas and mountain slopes are advised to evacuate for possible flashfloods and landslides.

Meanwhile, the other LPA located 790 kms east of Aparri, Cagayan has continued to weaken as it moves away from the PAR and is expected to be out by Thursday night.