Tropical Storm ‘Usagi’ has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was given the local name ‘Ofel,’ the state weather bureau said on Tuesday.
According to the latest 5 AM advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Tropical Storm ‘Ofel’ is moving west northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kilometers per hour.
Its center was last estimated at 1,170 km east of Southeastern Luzon.
As of writing, no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) is issued for ‘Ofel.’
Meanwhile, Severe Tropical Storm ‘Nika’ further weakens as it moves northwestward over the West Philippine Sea.
‘Nika’ is moving northeastward at 35 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kilometers per hour.
Its center was last estimated at 185 km west of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
TCWS No. 1 is raised over Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur, the northern portion of Apayao, the northern and western portions of Abra, the western portion of Babuyan Islands, and the northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan.
According to PAGASA, ‘Ofel’ may steadily intensify in the next three days and reach typhoon category on Wednesday and hit land at or near its peak intensity.
“Although it is too early to exactly determine the specific areas to be affected by certain hazards, areas in Northern Luzon are at risk of heavy rainfall, severe wind, and, possibly, storm surge inundation from ‘Ofel’ which may cause considerable impacts. Moreover, the eastern portions of Central and Southern Luzon may also be affected, especially if the tropical cyclone further expands in size or follows a more southerly path,” it warned.
‘Nika’, on the other hand, will continue moving generally northwestward to westward over the West Philippine Sea and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility within the next 12 hours.
The weather disturbance will continue to weaken for the next few days and may become a remnant low over the sea near southern China but remain as a severe tropical storm throughout its passage within the PAR region.
