MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Ofel (international name: Usagi) has continued to strengthen as it tracks west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Wednesday.
According to PAGASA's 11 a.m. bulletin, Ofel was located approximately 485 kilometers east-northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte, or about 610 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon. The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center, with gusts reaching up to 150 kph. It is moving northwestward at 20 kph.
As of the latest update, PAGASA has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 for the following areas:
- Eastern Cagayan: including Baggao, Peñablanca, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Ana
- Eastern Isabela: including Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan
These areas may experience gale-force winds ranging from 62 to 88 kph, posing a moderate threat to life and property.
Additionally, Signal No. 1 has been raised in the following regions, where strong winds of 39 to 61 kph are expected, along with a minimal to minor threat to life and property:
- Batanes
- Babuyan Islands
- The rest of mainland Cagayan
- The rest of Isabela
- Quirino
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Apayao
- Kalinga
- Abra
- Mountain Province
- Eastern Ifugao (including Dilasag and Casiguran)
- Ilocos Norte
- Northern Aurora (including Alfonso Lista, Aguinaldo, Banaue, Mayoyao, Hingyon, and Hungduan)
PAGASA further cautioned that Signal No. 4 could be issued as the storm intensifies.
Ofel is expected to make landfall along the eastern coast of either Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday afternoon. The typhoon is forecast to continue intensifying over the next 24 hours and could strike during its peak intensity.
Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautions as the storm approaches.