Typhoon Pepito Intensifies: Threatens Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas

Typhoon Pepito continues to strengthen as it approaches Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, nearing super typhoon status. Residents in the affected areas are urged to prepare for the severe impacts of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous coastal conditions as the typhoon makes its way towards the country.

Typhoon Pepito (Man-Yi) Key Information

• Location of Center: 220 km East Northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, or 305 km East of Catarman, Northern Samar (12.2°N, 127.4°E)
• Intensity: Maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h, gusts up to 215 km/h, and central pressure at 940 hPa
• Movement: West northwestward at 25 km/h
• Extent of Winds: Strong to typhoon-force winds extend up to 440 km from the center

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals in Effect

TCWS No. 3

• Wind Threat: Storm-force winds (89-117 km/h)
• Warning Lead Time: 18 hours
• Potential Impacts: Moderate to significant threat to life and property

Areas Affected:

• Luzon:
  • Catanduanes
  • Eastern Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, City of Tabaco, Malilipot, Tiwi, Malinao)
  • Eastern Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Presentacion, San Jose, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Sagñay, Tigaon, Goa)
  • Easternmost Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz)
• Visayas:
  • Eastern Northern Samar (Palapag, Laoang, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, Catubig, Pambujan)
  • Northernmost Eastern Samar (San Policarpo, Arteche, Oras, Jipapad)

TCWS No. 2

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

Areas Affected:

• Luzon:
  • Rest of Camarines Sur
  • Rest of Albay
  • Rest of Sorsogon
  • Ticao Island
  • Camarines Norte
  • Easternmost mainland Quezon (Tagkawayan)
  • Polillo Islands
• Visayas:
  • Northern Eastern Samar (Dolores, Maslog, Can-Avid, Taft, Sulat, San Julian, City of Borongan)
  • Northern Samar
  • Northern Samar municipalities including Calbayog City, San Jose de Buan, and Catbalogan City

TCWS No. 1

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

Areas Affected:

• Luzon:
  • Masbate including Burias Island
  • Marinduque
  • Romblon
  • Rest of Quezon
  • Laguna
  • Rizal
  • Cavite
  • Batangas
  • Metro Manila
  • Zambales
  • Bataan
  • Bulacan
  • Pampanga
  • Tarlac
  • Nueva Ecija
  • Aurora
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Central and Southern Cagayan
  • Pangasinan
  • La Union
  • Ilocos Sur
  • Abra
  • Southern Apayao
  • Kalinga
  • Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Benguet
• Visayas:
  • Eastern Samar
  • Samar
  • Biliran
  • Northern and Central Leyte
  • Northeastern Southern Leyte
  • Northernmost Cebu including Bantayan Islands
  • Northernmost Iloilo (Carles)
• Mindanao:
  • Northern Dinagat Islands (Loreto, Tubajon)

Sea Condition Warnings

Gale Warning

• Very High to Very Rough Seas:
  • Up to 14.0 m in Catanduanes
  • Up to 12.0 m in northern Camarines Sur
  • Up to 9.0 m in northern and eastern Northern Samar
  • Mariners are advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately.

Rough to Moderate Seas

• Affected Coastal Waters:
  • Eastern Visayas
  • Northern Quezon
  • Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands
  • Mariners of small seacrafts should avoid sea travel due to hazardous conditions.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Landfall Forecast: Typhoon Pepito is expected to make landfall tonight or early tomorrow morning, most likely in Catanduanes. However, landfall along the eastern coast of Camarines Sur, Albay, or Sorsogon is also possible.
• Path Over the Philippines: The typhoon will traverse Bicol Region, Quezon, Central Luzon, and portions of Northern Luzon before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by Sunday evening or Monday morning.
• Intensity: Pepito may reach super typhoon status before landfall and weaken slightly as it crosses Luzon.

Call for Preparedness

Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautionary measures, including evacuations if necessary. Local government units are advised to enforce safety protocols and monitor updates. Continue to follow advisories issued by PAGASA and local disaster management authorities.