Parts of N. Luzon under signal no. 2; Man-yi to enter PAR Thursday

Satellite image of Typhoon Ofel as of 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 13, 2024). (Photo: dost_pagasa/Facebook)

MANILA – Some areas in Northern Luzon were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 as Typhoon Ofel (international name Usagi) maintained its strength, the weather bureau said Wednesday.

TCWS No. 2 is hoisted over the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Baggao, Peñablanca, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, and Santa Ana), and the eastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, and Palanan). Gale-force winds will prevail in these areas.

TCWS No. 1 is hoisted over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, the rest of mainland Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, the eastern portion of Ifugao (Dilasag and Casiguran), Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Aurora (Alfonso Lista, Aguinaldo, Banaue, Mayoyao, Hingyon, and Hungduan). These areas will experience strong winds.

“Some may be wondering why we declared signal Nos. 2 and 1 while it is sunny. TCWS No. 2 has a lead time of 24 hours and 36 hours lead time for TCWS No. 1 before you could feel the strong winds,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Chris Perez said in a briefing before noon.

The lead time allows the public to prepare for the possible impacts of a tropical cyclone, he added.

Ofel packs maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It was located 485 km. east-northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte or 610 km. east of Infanta, Quezon as of 10 a.m.

Moderate to heavy rainfall are forecast over Isabela, Cagayan, and Catanduanes.

“These areas may experience isolated landslides, and flooding is also possible,” Perez said, adding that those in Northern and Central Luzon should be prepared as these areas may also be affected by the cyclone.

“It is possible that more areas will experience heavy rains and higher wind signal may be hoisted as Ofel gets nearer,” he said.

There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge reaching 1 meter to 3 meters in the next 48 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and northern Aurora, according to PAGASA.

Up to very rough or high seas may be experienced over the seaboards of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, northern Aurora, and the Babuyan Islands, making sea travel for all types or tonnage of vessels risky.

Perez said Ofel may make landfall over Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday, and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday.

Man-yi to enter PAR Thursday  

Meanwhile, Perez said Tropical Storm Man-yi is expected to enter PAR on Thursday night, and will be named Pepito.

The cyclone packs maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph and was located 1,965 km. east of Eastern Visayas as of 10 a.m.

“It could make landfall over Bicol Region or Eastern Visayas this weekend,” Perez said.

He said that based on Man-yi’s forecast track, the cyclone could also affect Northern and Central Luzon.

“People in those areas are advised to coordinate with their local disaster risk reduction offices for safety precautions,” Perez said.