Photo credit: Dost_pagasa

Typhoon Ofel, internationally known as Usagi, is continuing to weaken as it heads towards the Babuyan Islands in Northern Luzon. Although the storm has started to slow down a bit, its impact is still being felt across affected areas, and residents need to stay alert as the situation evolves.

At 7:00 PM on November 14, 2024, the center of Typhoon Ofel was located off the coast of Santa Teresita, Cagayan. With maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h and gusts reaching up to 255 km/h, this typhoon still poses a serious threat to the northern provinces.

Here’s what you need to know:

Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS)

Signal No. 4: Babuyan Islands and parts of Cagayan. Expect typhoon-force winds, potentially leading to severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and crops.

Signal No. 3: Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, and parts of Isabela and Apayao. Storm-force winds will be experienced, with possible damage to structures.

Signal No. 2: Areas like Isabela, Kalinga, and parts of Abra and Mountain Province will face gale-force winds.

Signal No. 1: Strong winds are expected across more areas, including portions of Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Aurora.

Storm Surge and Coastal Warnings

The storm surge poses a serious risk, particularly along the northern and eastern coasts of Luzon. In areas like Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Isabela, wave heights could exceed 3 meters, putting low-lying coastal communities at risk of life-threatening inundation. Residents are urged to stay away from the coast, cancel marine activities, and follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities.

Sea Conditions

The sea will be rough, with waves as high as 10 meters near Cagayan and Babuyan Islands. Mariners are advised to stay in port until the conditions improve. Small seacrafts, especially those with less experienced crews, should avoid going out to sea.

Typhoon’s Movement

Ofel continues to move northwest at 15 km/h and is expected to pass close to the Babuyan Islands tonight. By tomorrow, it will veer northward and eventually head towards Taiwan. However, it’s important to note that the track could shift slightly, and people in nearby areas should remain vigilant.

While Ofel is weakening, the impact on land and coastal waters is still significant, and everyone in the affected regions must take all necessary precautions to protect their lives and property.

Other Weather Updates

In addition to Typhoon Ofel, another storm, Pepito (formerly Man-Yi), has intensified as it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Keep an eye out for further updates on this developing storm.

As always, keep tuned in to PAGASA’s official bulletins for real-time information and follow local advisories closely. Your safety is the top priority!