Typhoon PepitoPH Moves Northwestward Over West Philippine Sea, Exiting PAR Soon

Typhoon PepitoPH continues its journey across the West Philippine Sea, with the center located 145 km west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, as of 4:00 AM today. The typhoon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by late morning or noon.

Current Status

• Location of Center (4:00 AM): 145 km west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur (17.8°N, 119.1°E)
• Intensity: Maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h, gustiness of up to 160 km/h, and central pressure of 965 hPa
• Movement: Northwestward at 30 km/h
• Extent of Winds: Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 280 km

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS)

TCWS No. 3

• Wind Threat: Storm-force winds
• Lead Time: 18 hours
• Range of Wind Speeds: 89 to 117 km/h
• Areas Affected:
  • Luzon:
    • Northern and western portions of Ilocos Sur (Gregorio del Pilar, Magsingal, San Esteban, Banayoyo, Burgos, City of Candon, Santa Lucia, Santiago, San Vicente, Santa Catalina, Lidlidda, Nagbukel, Sinait, Suyo, Sigay, San Ildefonso, Galimuyod, City of Vigan, San Emilio, Cabugao, Caoayan, San Juan, Santa, Bantay, Santo Domingo, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Narvacan, Salcedo)
    • Northwestern portion of La Union (Luna, Bangar, Balaoan, Bacnotan)
    • Western portion of Abra (San Quintin, Langiden, Pidigan, Pilar)

TCWS No. 2

• Wind Threat: Gale-force winds
• Lead Time: 24 hours
• Range of Wind Speeds: 62 to 88 km/h
• Areas Affected:
  • Luzon:
    • Ilocos Norte
    • Rest of Ilocos Sur
    • Rest of La Union
    • Pangasinan
    • Rest of Abra
    • Western portion of Mountain Province (Besao, Tadian, Sagada, Bauko)
    • Benguet
    • Northern portion of Zambales (Santa Cruz, Candelaria)

TCWS No. 1

• Wind Threat: Strong winds
• Lead Time: 36 hours
• Range of Wind Speeds: 39 to 61 km/h
• Areas Affected:
  • Luzon:
    • Apayao
    • Kalinga
    • Rest of Mountain Province
    • Ifugao
    • Western portion of Cagayan (Lasam, Santo Niño, Solana, Enrile, Tuao, Piat, Rizal, Allacapan, Ballesteros, Abulug, Pamplona, Claveria, Santa Praxedes, Sanchez-Mira)
    • Nueva Vizcaya
    • Northern and central portions of Nueva Ecija (Bongabon, San Leonardo, Cabanatuan City, Santa Rosa, Jaen, Cuyapo, Talavera, Santo Domingo, Rizal, Zaragoza, Llanera, Guimba, Aliaga, Pantabangan, Science City of Muñoz, General Mamerto Natividad, Carranglan, Quezon, San Jose City, Lupao, Nampicuan, Talugtug, Licab, San Antonio, Palayan City, Laur)
    • Tarlac
    • Central portion of Zambales (Botolan, Iba, Cabangan, Palauig, Masinloc)

Key Hazards

Heavy Rainfall

• Torrential rains expected in areas under TCWS No. 3 and 2. Refer to Weather Advisory No. 57 for details.

Severe Winds

• Moderate to significant impacts are possible under TCWS No. 3.
• Minor to moderate impacts are possible under TCWS No. 2.

Storm Surge

• Moderate to high risks of storm surge in low-lying areas of Ilocos Region, Isabela, and Central Luzon.

Sea Conditions

• Very Rough Seas:
  • Up to 5.0 m: Seaboards of Batanes
  • Up to 4.5 m: Western seaboard of Ilocos Norte, seaboards of Ilocos Sur and Isabela
  • Up to 4.0 m: Seaboards of Babuyan Islands
• Rough Seas:
  • Up to 3.5 m: Seaboards of La Union, western seaboard of Pangasinan
  • Up to 3.0 m: Seaboards of Aurora and northern Zambales
• Moderate Seas:
  • Up to 2.5 m: Seaboard of northern Quezon, Polillo Islands
  • Up to 2.0 m: Seaboards of Catanduanes, Bataan, Lubang Islands

Track and Intensity Outlook

Typhoon Pepito is moving northwestward and is expected to exit the PAR this morning or noon. Weakening is expected as it moves over the West Philippine Sea, with the potential to become a remnant low by late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Residents in affected areas are urged to stay indoors, heed evacuation orders, and monitor updates from PAGASA and local authorities.