Tropical Storm Banyan spared the Philippines Wednesday morning when it weakened to a tropical depression after it made landfall. Banyan, locally named Ramon, is expected to reach the central and southern regions later in the day.

NASA's Aqua satellite spotted Banyan heading for the Philippines early Wednesday. The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder measured temperatures around the storm and showed top temperatures at -63 Fahrenheit. Banyan was also spotted having sustained winds of near 55 to 65 kph near the center.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Banyan was forecast to move toward the western Philippines at 15 kph. Alert signals remain in effect in other parts of the country. The weather bureau still warned residents of low-lying and mountainous areas to remain alert against possible flashfloods and landslides.

"Estimated rainfall amount is from 10 to 30 mm per hour (heavy) within the 400 km diameter of the Tropical Depression," Pagasa said.

By Thursday morning, the storm will be 40 km southwest of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. The tropical depression is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday morning.