MANILA – A tropical storm has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was named Ofel (international name Usagi), the weather bureau said Tuesday.
Both Ofel and Severe Tropical Storm Nika (international name Toraji) will bring moderate to heavy rains over Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, and Batanes.
Forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas, according to the advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the weather bureau said Ofel was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.
Ofel was located 1, 170 km. east of southeastern Luzon as of 4 a.m.
Ofel may make landfall over Northern or Central Luzon on Thursday afternoon or evening and could reach the typhoon category on Wednesday, PAGASA added.
Meanwhile, Nika was last tracked 185 km. west of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte as of 4 a.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.
Nika is forecast to exit PAR within the next 12 hours, PAGASA said.
However, strong winds will prevail in areas under tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1: Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Lidlidda, City of Candon, Galimuyod, Banayoyo, Burgos, Santiago, Santa Maria, San Esteban, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Caoayan, Santa, Bantay, City of Vigan, Santa Catalina, San Vicente, San Ildefonso, Santo Domingo, Magsingal, Cabugao, San Juan, Sinait), the northern portion of Apayao (Kabugao, Pudtol, Luna, Santa Marcela, Calanasan, Flora), the northern and western portions of Abra (Tineg, Lagangilang, Bucay, Villaviciosa, Lagayan, San Juan, La Paz, Danglas, Pilar, San Isidro, Peñarrubia, Tayum, Dolores, Bangued, Pidigan, Langiden, San Quintin), the western portion of Babuyan Islands (Calayan Is., Dalupiri Is., Fuga Is.), and the northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan (Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes, Claveria).
Gale warning is hoisted over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon. Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. (PNA)