MANILA – Several provinces in Northern Luzon are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 as Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) intensifies while moving northwestward over the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported early Monday (18 Nov 2024).

As of 4 a.m., Pepito was located 145 km west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph and gusts reaching up to 160 kph. The typhoon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility later today.

Areas Under TCWS No. 3

The following areas are experiencing storm-force winds:

Northern and Western Ilocos Sur: Including Sinait, Vigan, Candon, and surrounding municipalities
Northwestern La Union: Including Luna, Bacnotan, and surrounding areas
Western Abra: Including San Quintin and Langiden

Areas Under TCWS No. 2

These regions will see gale-force winds:

Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, La Union, Abra
Western Mountain Province: Including Besao, Tadian, and Sagada
Benguet and Northern Zambales: Including Santa Cruz and Candelaria

Areas Under TCWS No. 1

Strong winds are expected in:

Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Mountain Province
Parts of Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales
Rain and Storm Surge Risks

Moderate to heavy rains are expected across parts of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Tarlac, and Zambales, with mountainous areas at risk for even heavier rainfall.

PAGASA also warned of a moderate to high risk of storm surge in coastal areas of Ilocos Region, Isabela, and Central Luzon over the next 48 hours.

Gale Warning

A gale warning has been issued for the northern seaboard of Luzon and the western seaboard of Central Luzon, with sea travel advised against for all vessels due to hazardous conditions.

PAGASA continues to monitor the situation, urging residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions.

ia/mnm