MANILA – Typhoon Ofel, known internationally as Usagi, has intensified into a super typhoon, the Philippine weather bureau warned on Thursday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Ofel is now packing maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, with gusts up to 230 km/h.
The storm was located 165 km east-northeast of Echague, Isabela or 165 km east-southeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan as of 7 a.m. local time.
Hazardous Typhoon-Force Winds Expected
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5, the highest level, has been hoisted over the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan province, including the municipality of Santa Ana and Gonzaga. This indicates that these areas will experience destructive typhoon-force winds.
Additionally, Signal No. 4 has been raised over the southeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Cagayan, and the northeastern part of Isabela province. Residents in these areas can also expect devastating typhoon-force winds.
Storm-force winds are forecast for areas under Signal No. 3, including the rest of the Babuyan Islands, the rest of Cagayan, and parts of Isabela, Apayao and Ilocos Norte provinces.
Gale-force winds are likely in regions under Signal No. 2, covering Batanes, portions of Isabela, Quirino, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and Aurora.
Dangerous Storm Surge Threat
Meteorologists warn of a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak heights reaching 1 to 3 meters over low-lying or exposed coastal areas of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and northern Aurora within the next 48 hours.
Typhoon Ofel is forecast to make landfall over the eastern coast of Cagayan or northern Isabela this afternoon, PAGASA said.
Residents in the affected regions have been advised to take all necessary precautions and heed warnings from local authorities as this dangerous super typhoon approaches.
