SEVERE Tropical Storm Pepito continues to intensify and is approaching typhoon strength, according to PAGASA’s 5 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin. As it strengthens, Typhoon Ofel has begun to weaken over the Luzon Strait.
Severe Tropical Storm Pepito Intensifies
At 4 a.m., Pepito was located 795 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, with sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts reaching 135 kph. The storm has a central pressure of 980 hPa and is moving west at 25 kph. Strong winds extend outwards up to 380 kilometers from the center.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over parts of Luzon and Visayas, including:
Luzon: Catanduanes, sections of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon.
Visayas: Northern Samar, areas of Eastern Samar, and northeastern portions of Samar.
Typhoon Ofel Weakens Over Luzon Strait
Meanwhile, Typhoon Ofel was spotted 100 kilometers northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, with sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts up to 150 kph. Ofel’s winds extend outward up to 340 kilometers from its center as it moves north-northwestward at 20 kph.
The following areas are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3:
The western Babuyan Islands and portions of mainland Cagayan and Ilocos Norte.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 applies to the rest of Babuyan Island, parts of mainland Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. Signal No. 1 has been raised in Batanes, parts of Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Abra, and Ilocos Sur.
Heavy Rainfall and Coastal Warnings
While Pepito is currently not directly affecting the country, rainfall from both storms is expected, with moderate to heavy rain forecasted in Cagayan, Batanes, and Ilocos Norte.
Storm Surge Warnings: Low-lying coastal areas in Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar may face storm surges of 2.0 to 3.0 meters above normal tide levels in the next 48 hours.
Marine Conditions
No gale warning is associated with Pepito currently, but a Gale Warning remains in effect for northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon due to Typhoon Ofel. Mariners are advised to exercise caution or avoid venturing out to sea.
Forecast and Path Updates
Pepito is expected to continue moving westward due to a high-pressure area south of Japan, with a possible landfall on the eastern coast of Central or Southern Luzon over the weekend. PAGASA expects it to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Monday evening.
Ofel will likely exit PAR by Friday afternoon but could re-enter as it moves towards southern Taiwan.
Residents in affected areas are advised to remain alert and prepare as severe weather conditions are expected over the next few days.