'Ofel' now a typhoon; parts of N. Luzon under signal no. 1
2024-Nov-13 10:21
Track of Typhoon Ofel (PNA/PAGASA)
MANILA – Ofel (international name Usagi) has intensified into a typhoon, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph, the weather bureau said Wednesday.
The typhoon was located 475 km. east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, or 595 km. east of Daet, Camarines Norte as of 4 a.m.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the weather bureau said tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 is hoisted over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern and central portions of Isabela (Maconacon, San Pablo, Cabagan, Santa Maria, Divilacan, Palanan, Santo Tomas, Alicia, San Mateo, Aurora, Quezon, San Mariano, Naguilian, Dinapigue, Roxas, San Guillermo, Luna, Delfin Albano, City of Cauayan, Ilagan City, Angadanan, Benito Soliven, Tumauini, Reina Mercedes, San Manuel, Cabatuan, Quirino, Gamu, Mallig, Burgos), Apayao, the eastern portion of Kalinga (Rizal, City of Tabuk, Pinukpuk), the easternmost portion of Mountain Province (Paracelis), and the easternmost portion of Ifugao (Alfonso Lista). Strong winds will prevail in these areas.
Strong to gale-force gusts are also likely in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advisory said.
Moderate to heavy rains will be experienced in Isabela and Cagayan.
"There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge reaching 2 to 3 meters in the next 48 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and northern Aurora," PAGASA said.
Rough seas are forecast in the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes. Mariners of small seacrafts, including all motor bancas, are advised not to venture to the sea.
Meanwhile, Ofel is forecast to make landfall over the east coast of Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday.
The typhoon is also forecast to intensify within 24 hours, according to PAGASA. (PNA)