Typhoon Ofel Threatens Northern Luzon, placing more areas under Signal No. 2

As of 5:00 PM today, Typhoon “Ofel” continues its west-northwestward movement, posing a greater threat to Northern Luzon. The typhoon has maintained its intensity and is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast of Cagayan or Isabela tomorrow. Coastal communities are advised to prepare for potential storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rainfall.

Current Status

• Location of Center (4:00 PM):
  480 km East of Baler, Aurora (15.7°N, 126.1°E), based on data from Daet Weather Surveillance Radar
• Intensity:
  Maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 150 km/h, and central pressure of 975 hPa
• Present Movement:
  West northwestward at 25 km/h
• Extent of Tropical Cyclone Winds:
  Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 320 km from the center

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) in Effect

TCWS No. 2

• Wind Threat: Gale-force winds
• Warning Lead Time: 24 hours
• Range of Wind Speeds: 62 to 88 km/h
• Potential Impacts: Minor to moderate threat to life and property

Luzon:

• Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
• Northern and eastern portions of Isabela:
  • Maconacon
  • Divilacan
  • Palanan
  • San Pablo
  • Cabagan
  • Santa Maria
  • Santo Tomas
  • Tumauini
  • Ilagan City
• Eastern portion of Apayao:
  • Flora
  • Luna
  • Santa Marcela
  • Pudtol

TCWS No. 1

• Wind Threat: Strong winds
• Warning Lead Time: 36 hours
• Range of Wind Speeds: 39 to 61 km/h
• Potential Impacts: Minimal to minor threat to life and property

Luzon:

• Batanes
• Rest of Isabela
• Quirino
• Northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya:
  • Kasibu
  • Ambaguio
  • Solano
  • Bayombong
  • Quezon
  • Bagabag
  • Diadi
  • Villaverde
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Ilocos Norte
• Northern portion of Aurora:
  • Dilasag
  • Casiguran
  • Dinalungan
  • Dipaculao

Other Hazards Affecting Land Areas

• Heavy Rainfall Outlook:
  For detailed rainfall forecasts, refer to Weather Advisory No. 24 issued at 5:00 PM today.
• Severe Winds:
  Enhanced winds may be stronger in coastal and mountainous areas exposed to the typhoon. Minor to moderate impacts from strong winds are possible in TCWS No. 2 areas, while minimal impacts are expected in TCWS No. 1 areas.
• Coastal Inundation:
  Moderate to high risks of storm surge, with life-threatening heights of 1.0 to 3.0 meters, are anticipated in Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Isabela, and northern Aurora. Refer to Storm Surge Warning No. 5 for more details.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

• Sea Condition Outlook (24-Hours):
  • Very Rough to High Seas:
    • Up to 10.0 m: Eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan and Babuyan Islands
    • Up to 8.0 m: Seaboards of Isabela and remaining seaboard of mainland Cagayan
    • Up to 5.0 m: Seaboard of northern Aurora
  • Rough Seas:
    • Up to 4.5 m: Seaboard of Batanes
    • Up to 3.5 m: Northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, Polillo Islands, remaining seaboard of Aurora, seaboard of Camarines Norte, northern Quezon, northern seaboards of Ilocos Norte, and Camarines Sur
  • Moderate Seas:
    • Up to 2.5 m: Eastern seaboard of mainland Quezon (including Polillo Islands), Albay, Sorsogon, and northern/eastern seaboards of Northern Samar
    • Up to 2.0 m: Remaining seaboard of Ilocos Region, seaboard of Kalayaan Islands, eastern seaboard of Camarines Sur, and Eastern Samar

Mariners are advised to avoid sea travel, especially if inexperienced or operating small or inadequately equipped vessels.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Forecast Track:
  Typhoon Ofel is expected to make landfall along the eastern coast of Cagayan or Isabela tomorrow afternoon (14 November). It will then pass close to or possibly make landfall over Babuyan Islands before turning northeastward on Saturday (16 November) towards the sea east of Taiwan.
• Intensity Forecast:
  Ofel is forecast to intensify within the next 24 hours and reach peak intensity at landfall. Gradual weakening is expected once it makes landfall, continuing for the remainder of the forecast period.