Weatherman says storm in Philippine unlikely to hit PNG

A TROPICAL depression near the Philippines which is developing into a storm is unlikely to affect the country although people can expect overcast and rainy periods in the coming days.
National Weather Service acting director Jimmy Gomoga said the storm was expected to head west.
“Papua New Guinea won’t be affected by the storm (but) strong wind surges will be felt in Manus and West Sepik,” Gomoga said.
He said stronger-than-average winds in the Southern region, Eastern Mamose and New Guinea Islands could pose a risk to bush material homes and small vessels at sea.
Gomoga said Port Moresby and other centres should expect cloudy days with afternoon showers in the coming week.
Milne Bay is forecast to see mostly fine and sunny weather in the next few days and evening showers on weekends.
Wind surges in the Bismarck Sea and Vitiaz Strait will continue as well as in the Coral Sea.
Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Gita has passed Samoa and Niue, and is heading towards Tonga and Fiji.
It is currently a category four storm and is expected to hit Tonga tonight and veer towards the south of Fiji later.
It will not affect Papua New Guinea.