MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon “Ofel” is slowly dissipating as its moving through West Philippine Sea towards China.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), all tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) number 1 in previously-affected areas on Thursday have been lifted.
“Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #1 is hereby lifted for all localities. However, occasional gusts may still be experienced over Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan (including Calamian and Kalayaan Islands) due to “OFEL” and the Southwest Monsoon,” Pagasa said in its 11a.m. weather advisory.
The weather agency reported that as of 11a.m. Thursday, the center of “Ofel” was estimated at 275-kilometer West of Tanauan City, Batangas.
Moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour, it currently has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
Meanwhile, gusty conditions associated with the northeasterly surface wind flow will also be experienced over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, and the coastal and mountainous areas of Ilocos Norte and mainland Cagayan Valley.
According to Pagasa, “Ofel” will move west or northwestward over the West Philippine Sea this Thursday.
“There is an increasing likelihood that this tropical depression will weaken into a low-pressure area within the next 12 to 24 hours over the West Philippine Sea,” it added.
The weather bureau also said that moderate to heavy rains will be experienced in Aurora province.
Light to moderate with at times heavy rains over mainland Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Central Luzon due to “OFEL” and over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Palawan (including Calamian, Cuyo, and Kalayaan Islands) due to Southwest Monsoon. Flooding (including flashfloods) and rain-induced landslides may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.
Pagasa warned that flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall.