Peipah Stalled East of the Philippines

As of Wednesday evening, EDT, Peipah (05W) has effectively stalled over open water between southern Philippines and Palau, Micronesia. The center of Tropical Depression Peipah is located almost 800 miles southeast of Manila and about 350 miles east-northeast of Davao, Mindanao, Philippines. Highest sustained winds are only 30 mph. The environment remains harsh with respect to development, owing especially to strong vertical wind shear. Peipah is expected to resume a drift towards the northwest during the next 24-36 hours; however, any significant strengthening is seen as unlikely.

Peipah could approach eastern Philippines as early as Saturday, EDT. Once the circulation of Peipah does begin to interact with the Philippines, localized heavy rain will take place. Owing to slow movement, Peipah could unleash excessive, flooding rain over multiple days, even while remaining below tropical storm strength.

Elsewhere, tropical cyclone development is not expected for at least the next 24-48 hours.

By AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Jim Andrews.