First storm of 2013 enters PAR

MANILA, Philippines - The first tropical depression of the year has entered the Philippines early dawn on Thursday, the state-run weather bureau said. 

In a radio interview, forecaster Aldczar Aurelio of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)  said the low pressure area has developed in a tropical depression, named Auring, which has made landfall past midnight in Davao area.

Around 10 a.m. today, the weather disturbance was spotted 60 kilometers west of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, packing winds of 55 kms per hour and moving westward, Aurelio said.

Pagasa hoisted storm signal no. 1 in Palawan, southern part of Negros provinces, Siquijor Island, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis del Norte, Misamis del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

These areas  will experience moderate to heavy rains, according to Pagasa.