‘Ofel’ now a severe tropical storm; weak ‘Nika’ out of PH

Metro Manila, Philippines — “Ofel” intensified into a severe tropical storm while “Nika” left the country’s weather disturbance monitoring zone, the weather bureau reported Tuesday afternoon.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Batanes and Babuyan Islands would have strong to gale-force gusts due to the “channeling of winds coming to ‘Nika.’”

It has weakened into a tropical storm and is seen to be a remnant low on Friday.

‘Ofel’ forecast

Meanwhile, “Ofel” intensified into a severe tropical storm over the Philippine Sea.

It would continue to strengthen into a typhoon by Wednesday afternoon or evening before its possible landfall along the east coast of Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday afternoon or evening.

“Regardless of the position of the landfall point, it must be emphasized that hazards on land and coastal waters may still be experienced in areas outside the landfall point or forecast confidence cone,” the weather bureau warned.

PAGASA also has two forecast scenarios for the path of “Ofel.”

It said “Ofel” could have a “west northwestward track with a land crossing that is further south of the present scenario.”

Another would be having a “recurving track to the right of the present forecast which will bring ‘Ofel’ mainly offshore of northern Luzon.”

PAGASA has released a storm surge alert in the coastal communities of eastern mainland Cagayan, Isabela, and northern Aurora.