MANILA – The weather bureau reported Wednesday (13 Nov 2024) that Typhoon Ofel (international name Usagi) has intensified, bringing sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center and gusts reaching up to 150 kph.
As of 4 a.m., Ofel was located 475 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, or approximately 595 km east of Daet, Camarines Norte.
According to PAGASA’s 5 a.m. bulletin, tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 has been raised over various areas, including Cagayan and the Babuyan Islands, as well as northern and central Isabela, Apayao, and eastern portions of Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao. These regions are expected to experience strong winds as the typhoon approaches.
Additional gusty winds may affect Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes, with PAGASA advising heightened precautions.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Isabela and Cagayan. PAGASA also issued a storm surge alert, warning of potential life-threatening surges up to 2-3 meters over low-lying coastal areas in Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Isabela, and northern Aurora.
Rough seas are anticipated along the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, prompting a warning to mariners with small seacrafts, including all motor bancas, to refrain from sea travel.
Typhoon Ofel is predicted to intensify further over the next 24 hours and may make landfall along the eastern coast of Cagayan or Isabela by Thursday.
Stay updated with PAGASA advisories as Typhoon Ofel continues to move toward northern Luzon.
ia/mnm
