The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday reported that Typhoon “Uwan” (international name: Fung-wong) has rapidly intensified in the last 24 hours over the Philippine Sea east of Eastern Visayas.
Moving westward at 35 kilometers per hour (kph), its center was last estimated 680 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
Uwan had maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gusts of up to 170 kph, according to PAGASA’s 11 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin.
Meanwhile, the state weather bureau raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over the following areas:
Luzon
- Catanduanes, the eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Tinambac, Goa, Lagonoy, Buhi, Caramoan, Tigaon, Garchitorena, Calabanga, Sagñay, San Jose, Presentacion, Baao, Ocampo, Milaor, Nabua, Bato, Camaligan, Pili, Iriga City, Magarao, Minalabac, Balatan, Naga City, Bombon, Bula, Canaman), Albay, Sorsogon, and Ticao Islands
Visayas
- Northern Samar, the northern portion of Samar (Matuguinao, San Jose de Buan, Calbayog City), and the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Maslog, San Policarpo, Dolores, Jipapad, Oras, Arteche)
“Uwan is forecast to rapidly intensify and may reach super typhoon category tonight or tomorrow, although the potential for a much faster intensification is not ruled out due to favorable environment. It may also make landfall at or near its peak lifetime intensity,” PAGASA said.
“The interaction with the terrain will cause Uwan to weaken, but it is expected to remain as a typhoon throughout its passage over Northern Luzon and West Philippine Sea,” it added.
