TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —  A tropical depression is likely to strengthen into Tropical Storm Danas on Saturday and is expected to pass near Taiwan on Sunday, according to the Central Weather Administration.

CWA forecaster Lee Meng-hsuan (李孟軒) said that as of 8 a.m., a low-pressure system northwest of the Philippines had developed into a tropical depression, per CNA. Its structure has become more consolidated since Thursday and is gradually moving toward the Taiwan Strait.

Lee said it could intensify into a tropical storm by early Saturday. Once formed, the weather bureau will issue a sea warning.

The system is currently about 370 km southwest of Cape Eluanbi. From Friday to Saturday, it will drift northwest at a slow pace.

It is expected to accelerate Saturday afternoon and turn north to northeast, heading toward the Taiwan Strait or nearby waters. The closest approach to Taiwan will likely occur between Sunday and Monday morning.

Lee said the greatest impact is forecast for Sunday, with heavy rain in the mountainous areas of southern and southeastern Taiwan and scattered showers or thunderstorms in the rest of the country. He noted the storm's path remains uncertain and should be closely monitored.