The state weather bureau yesterday cautioned the public that “Pepito” (international name Man-yi), which intensified into a typhoon, is a very dangerous tropical cyclone.
“The next 24 hours are critical. ‘Pepito’ moves really fast, at 30 kph [kilometers per hour]. Lubhang mapanganib ito,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Administrator Nathaniel Servando said in a briefing before noon.
The typhoon packs maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph. It could reach the super typhoon category prior to making a landfall on Saturday night, November 16, or early Sunday, November 17.
Pepito was located 630 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar as of 10:00 a.m.
“It is forecast to further intensify as it goes nearer the landmass. Torrential rains could result in floods, landslides and storm surge,” Servando said.
He added that areas that are likely to be affected are Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, Central Luzon, and Quezon.
In the same briefing, Pagasa forecaster Glaiza Esculiar said “Pepito” could possibly make a landfall over Catanduanes this weekend.
However, she noted that Samar provinces, Bicol Region, Mimaropa and parts of Central Luzon should also be prepared as these areas are included in “Pepito’s” forecast track.
Meanwhile, as of 11:00 a.m., Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was hoisted over the eastern portion of Northern Samar, and the northern portion of Eastern Samar.
TCWS No. 1 is hoisted over the southeastern portion of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, the rest of Northern Samar, the rest of Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran.
Batanes will experience moderate to heavy rains, while intense to torrential rains are forecast in Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar on Saturday.
There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge with peak heights reaching three meters above normal tide levels in the next 48 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of southeastern Quezon, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, northern Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and northern Biliran.
‘Ofel’ weakens further
Meanwhile, “Ofel” (international name Usagi) has further weakened into a severe tropical storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph.
“Ofel” was located 215 km northwest of Calayan, Cagayan or 195 km west of Itbayat, Batanes as of 10:00 a.m.
Batanes is under TCWS No. 2 while TCWS No. 1 is hoisted over the northern portion of Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Apayao and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte.
Gale warning is hoisted over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon.
Esculiar said “Ofel” might exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Saturday afternoon.
“Ofel” is forecast to make a landfall over Taiwan and weaken into a low-pressure area. Its reentry to the PAR in the next few days is possible, Esculiar said. (PNA)