MANILA – Tropical Storm Ofel (international name Usagi) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday (12 Nov 2024), the weather bureau said.
Both Ofel and Severe Tropical Storm Nika (international name Toraji) are expected to bring moderate to heavy rains over Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, and Batanes. Rainfall is likely to be heavier in mountainous and elevated areas, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA reported that Ofel had maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gusts of up to 90 kph. As of 4 a.m., Ofel was located 1,170 km east of southeastern Luzon. The storm is expected to intensify into a typhoon by Wednesday and could make landfall over Northern or Central Luzon on Thursday afternoon or evening.
Typhoon Nika
Meanwhile, Nika was last tracked 185 km west of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph and gusts up to 115 kph. Nika is forecast to exit PAR within the next 12 hours.
Strong winds will continue in areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, which includes parts of Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur, Apayao, Abra, and the northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan.
A gale warning has been issued for the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon, making sea travel risky for all vessels.
ia/mnm
