Storm alerts up over effects of ‘Ofel,’ ‘Pepito’

Metro Manila, Philippines — Authorities have raised storm alerts in parts of Luzon and the Visayas on Friday, Nov. 15, as the country faced the effects of two strong storms.

Here is the latest from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Severe Tropical Storm Ofel (international name: Usagi) and Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi).

Storm signals

For “Ofel,” Batanes was under Signal No. 2, while the northern portion of Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Apayao and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte were under Signal No. 1

For “Pepito,” PAGASA raised Signal No 2. over the eastern portion of Northern Samar, the northern portion of Eastern Samar.

Areas under Signal No. 1 were the eastern portion of Northern Samar, the northern portion of Eastern Samar in Luzon; while the rest of Northern Samar, the rest of Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran in the Visayas.

“Ofel” continuously affecting weather

As of 11 a.m., “Ofel” weakened into a severe tropical storm over Luzon strait.

PAGASA said "Ofel" may briefly exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday afternoon, returning to the PAR on Saturday as it heads towards southern Taiwan.

The weather bureau said a storm signal may still be raised in extreme northern Luzon.

Heavy rainfall will also be dumped in Batanes on Friday.

Here comes “Pepito”

As of 11 a.m., “Pepito” intensified into a typhoon.

PAGASA said it could reach super typhoon strength before possible landfall in Catanduanes on Saturday evening or early Sunday morning.

“However, considering the limits of the forecast confidence cone, a landfall scenario over the eastern coast of Camarines Sur, Albay, or Sorsogon during the same time frame, over the eastern coast of Northern Samar tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon or evening, or along the eastern coast of Quezon or Aurora on Sunday afternoon or evening remains not ruled out,” the bureau said.

According to the forecast, “Pepito” could pass the Bicol region, Quezon, Central Luzon provinces, and Pangasinan before reaching the West Philippine Sea on Sunday evening or Monday morning.

Large portions of Luzon and the Visayas will be drenched at the weekend.

PAGASA has issued a storm surge warning for the coastal areas of southeastern Quezon, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, northern Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and northern Biliran.