Typhoon Ofel has rapidly intensified and nearing super typhoon status as it approaches the eastern coast of Cagayan and northern Isabela, threatening to bring severe conditions to northeastern Luzon.
At 10 p.m. last night, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the Ofel’s eye was positioned approximately 215 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela, advancing west-northwest at 30 km/h.
Weather specialist Rhea Torres said the storm now packs maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h near the center with gusts reaching 205 km/h, with typhoon-force winds extending up to 320 kilometers from its center.
PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) across various areas in Luzon to alert residents of the storm’s impact.
TCWS No. 4 is now in effect, she said, in the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan, including Santa Ana and Gonzaga, where typhoon-force winds with speeds between 118 to 184 km/h are expected within 12 hours, posing a severe threat to life and property.
In the central and eastern portions of Cagayan, parts of Isabela, and northern Apayao, TCWS No. 3 has been raised, forecasting winds of 89 to 117 km/h with moderate to significant impacts likely.
TCWS No. 2 is in effect for Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, parts of Ilocos Norte, and sections of Isabela, where gale-force winds may cause minor to moderate impacts. Meanwhile, areas in Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Mountain Province, Benguet, and other parts of Luzon under TCWS No. 1 may experience minimal impacts due to strong winds.
Torres said the threat of storm surge remains critical along low-lying coastal areas, particularly in Batanes, Cagayan, and Isabela, where surge heights could reach between 1.0 to 3.0 meters.
PAGASA has also issued a gale warning for the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon and Central Luzon, with sea conditions expected to be extremely dangerous, with waves reaching up to 10 meters in some areas. Mariners and fishing vessels are advised to stay in port, while residents in coastal communities are urged to remain vigilant against the possibility of coastal inundation.
Typhoon Ofel is expected to make landfall along the eastern coast of Cagayan or northern Isabela this afternoon, continuing its northwestward path, likely crossing Babuyan Channel tonight.
It is then forecast to shift northeastward toward Taiwan by Saturday, with the potential of reaching super typhoon strength while still within Philippine territory. With Ofel now in a more favorable environment for intensification, the probability of it reaching super typhoon status cannot be ruled out.
