The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has not ruled out the possibility of raising Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5 in areas expected to be directly hit by the approaching “super typhoon.”
In its 11:00 p.m. bulletin on Thursday, November 6, PAGASA said Tropical Storm Fung-Wong was last spotted 1,550 kilometers east of Northeastern Mindanao, still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It carried maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h and gustiness of up to 105 km/h, moving northwest at 20 km/h.
The weather bureau said the system is expected to enter PAR by Friday night (November 7) or early Saturday (November 8) as a typhoon and will later intensify into a super typhoon, to be locally named “Uwan”—the second tropical cyclone to enter the country this November.
PAGASA is expected to begin issuing wind signals over the eastern portion of Luzon and some provinces in Samar by Friday morning or afternoon, or by Saturday morning at the latest.
“The highest possible Wind Signal for the current forecast scenario is Wind Signal No. 5. Deterioration of weather condition may begin on Sunday (09 November),” PAGASA said.
It also warned that “potentially life-threatening stormy conditions” could affect Northern and parts of Central Luzon on Monday (November 10) and Tuesday (November 11).
“There is also a potential for high storm surge risk and related coastal flooding, especially in Northern Luzon and the east coast of Central Luzon. Storm surge warnings may be issued as early as Saturday,” PAGASA added.
The public is advised to remain alert, prepare early, and closely monitor official updates on the developing super typhoon.