Tropical Storm Fung-wong has slightly intensified while moving northwestward near Yap, Micronesia, and continues on its path toward the Philippines, the state weather bureau reported Thursday.
As of 11 a.m., Fung-wong’s center was spotted 1,690 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It now packs maximum sustained winds of 75 kph, gusts reaching 90 kph, and a central pressure of 996 hPa, moving northwest at 10 kph. Strong to gale-force winds extend outward up to 700 kilometers from its center.
The storm is expected to enter PAR by late Friday or early Saturday, after which it will be named “Uwan.” PAGASA said Fung-wong could make landfall over northern or central Luzon by Monday (November 10), possibly at or near peak intensity, and could intensify into a typhoon by Friday and reach super typhoon strength by Saturday.
Meanwhile, Typhoon Tino has further strengthened as it moved past the Kalayaan Islands toward Vietnam, packing 165 kph winds and 205 kph gusts, and moving west at 49 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 remains hoisted over the Kalayaan Islands, where strong winds and rough seas up to 4 meters are expected. PAGASA also warned of rough to moderate seas along Batanes, southern Palawan, and Balabac Island, as well as parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Tino is projected to make landfall in central Vietnam Thursday night before weakening rapidly as it moves inland.