MANILA – Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) is forecast to weaken slightly before making its second landfall over northern Quezon or parts of Aurora this afternoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Sunday (17Nov 2024).

The powerful storm, which made its first landfall in the vicinity of Panganiban, Catanduanes, on Saturday night (Nov. 16), left behind significant destruction in the affected areas.

Logs washed up on a seawall in Barangay Cabugao, Bato, Catanduanes, as strong winds and heavy rains pounded the region.

Pepito is currently moving northwestward over the sea east of Quezon, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h and gusts of up to 255 km/h.

PAGASA expects the storm to weaken as it moves across mainland Luzon today, possibly downgrading to a severe tropical storm before further weakening over the West Philippine Sea due to an incoming northeasterly wind surge.

As of this morning (Sunday), several regions remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, with the risk of extreme impacts from typhoon-force winds.

These areas include:

Northern portions of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Naga City, Bombon, Lupi, and surrounding areas)

Camarines Norte (including the rest of the province)

Northern Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, and surrounding areas)

Polillo Islands (Patnanungan, Jomalig, and other islands)

Central and southern Aurora (including Baler, Dipaculao, and Dingalan)

Eastern Nueva Ecija (General Tinio, Laur, Bongabon, Rizal, Palayan City)

Southern Quirino (Nagtipunan)

Other affected areas are under Signal No. 2 and Signal No. 1, with varying levels of risk from strong winds and heavy rainfall.

These include:

Metro Manila

Parts of Bicol (Albay, Catanduanes, and surrounding areas)

Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, and parts of Batangas and Zambales

Parts of Central Luzon, including Pampanga, Bulacan, Tarlac, and Nueva Vizcaya

Parts of Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley

PAGASA has also warned of a high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak surge heights exceeding three meters along exposed coastal areas in Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Bicol Region, and other low-lying coastal areas. This storm surge poses a significant threat to lives and property in these regions.

For now, authorities continue to urge residents in affected areas to prepare for severe weather conditions and heed the instructions of local government units.

ia/mnm