Typhoon Ofel’s Strength Maintained as It Moves Closer to Eastern Luzon

As of 11:00 AM today, Typhoon “Ofel” continues to maintain its strength while moving west-northwestward across the Philippine Sea. Areas in eastern Luzon are expected to experience increasingly gusty winds, rain, and high seas as “Ofel” approaches.

Current Status

• Location of Center (10:00 AM):
  485 km East Northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte or 610 km East of Infanta, Quezon (15.3°N, 127.3°E)
• 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 20 km/h
• Extent of Tropical Cyclone Winds:
  Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 300 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:

• The eastern portion of mainland Cagayan:
  • Baggao
  • Peñablanca
  • Gattaran
  • Gonzaga
  • Lal-Lo
  • Santa Ana
• The eastern portion of Isabela:
  • Maconacon
  • Divilacan
  • Palanan

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
• Babuyan Islands
• The rest of mainland Cagayan
• The rest of Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Mountain Province
• The eastern portion of Ifugao:
  • Dilasag
  • Casiguran
• Ilocos Norte
• The northern portion of Aurora:
  • Alfonso Lista
  • Aguinaldo
  • Banaue
  • Mayoyao
  • Hingyon
  • Hungduan

Other Hazards Affecting Land Areas

• Heavy Rainfall Outlook:
  For detailed rainfall forecasts due to Typhoon Ofel, refer to Weather Advisory No. 23.
• Severe Winds:
  Winds may be particularly strong in coastal and upland areas. The highest Wind Signal that may be issued due to Typhoon Ofel could be Signal No. 4.
• Coastal Inundation:
  Moderate to high risks of storm surge, with life-threatening heights reaching between 1.0 to 3.0 meters, are anticipated in low-lying coastal areas in Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Isabela, and northern Aurora. For specifics, refer to Storm Surge Warning No. 4.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

• Sea Condition Outlook (24-Hours):
  • Very Rough to High Seas:
    • Up to 10.0 m: Eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan
    • Up to 8.0 m: Seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora
    • Up to 7.0 m: Seaboard of Babuyan Islands and the remaining seaboard of mainland Cagayan
    • Up to 6.0 m: Remaining seaboard of northern Aurora
  • Rough Seas:
    • Up to 4.0 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, and northern Camarines Sur
  • Moderate Seas:
    • Up to 2.5 m: Northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte, 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 venturing out to sea, especially if inexperienced or operating small or inadequately equipped vessels.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Forecast Track:
  Typhoon Ofel is expected to continue its west northwestward path, possibly making landfall on the eastern coast of Cagayan or Isabela by tomorrow afternoon (14 November). It will then pass over the Luzon Strait on Friday (15 November) and may exhibit erratic movement over the weekend.
• Intensity Forecast:
  Typhoon Ofel may reach peak intensity prior to landfall. Track adjustments are possible, especially in the latter stages, with two potential scenarios: a more southerly northwestward track through Friday with a turn west southwestward, or a slight recurvature offshore of Northern Luzon.