Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi), the sixth powerful storm in just about a month, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 8:00 PM last night (November 14, 2024), moving in the direction of Luzon. Simultaneously, Typhoon Ofel continues to weaken as it traverses the Babuyan Islands.

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Upon entering the country, Typhoon Pepito has already intensified into a severe tropical storm. Its center was located 945 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 10:00 PM last night. It carries winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 125 kilometers per hour, moving westward at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour.

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Signal number 1 has been raised over the following areas:
• Catanduanes
• Eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Garchitorena, Presentacion, San Jose, Lagonoy)
• Eastern portion of Albay (Rapu-Rapu, City of Tabaco, Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Bacacay, Legazpi City, Malinao, Manito, Tiwi)
• Eastern and southern parts of Sorsogon (Juban, City of Sorsogon, Barcelona, Bulusan, Magallanes, Gubat, Santa Magdalena, Casiguran, Bulan, Irosin, Matnog, Prieto Diaz)
• Northern Samar
• Northern part of Eastern Samar (San Policarpo, Arteche, Jipapad, Maslog, Dolores, Oras)
• Northeastern portion of Samar (Matuguinao, San Jose de Buan)

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Although Typhoon Pepito is not yet directly affecting the country, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that it already contributes to rainfall, in addition to that brought by Typhoon Ofel. Heavy to intense rainfall (100-200 mm) is expected over Batanes and Cagayan, and moderate to heavy rainfall (50-100 mm) over Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and Abra.

Due to a high pressure area south of Japan, Typhoon Pepito will move westward within the next 24 hours before veering northwestward towards the northwest over the Philippine Sea, passing very close to the Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region.

PAGASA announced that Typhoon Pepito could make landfall on the eastern shores of Central Luzon by the end of this week, likely on November 16 or 17. However, forecasts may still change and it could landfall over the eastern part of Eastern Visayas instead.

Pepito is predicted to escalate into a typhoon status today and could potentially reach a super typhoon category by Saturday afternoon or evening.

(Photos by PAGASA)