MANILA, Philippines – The low pressure area (LPA) off the West Philippine Sea has intensified into a tropical depression and has been named "Jacinto," the third storm in August and the 10th this year, the state weather agency said on Thursday.

In its bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the tropical cyclone was estimated some 480 kilometers west of Subic Bay.

Moving west-northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph), Jacinto has maximum sustained winds of 45kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55kph, the state-run weather agency said.

LPA over West PH Sea develops into tropical depression, now called ‘Jacinto’ -- Pagasa, This news data comes from:http://www.jyxingfa.com

Moving northwestward in the next 12 hours, the tropical depression will likely exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tonight, Pagasa said.

It is, however, enhancing the southwest monsoon or "habagat" which is affecting several areas particularly in Luzon, it added.