Manila: The tropical depression situated outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is continuing its west-northwestward trajectory while maintaining its strength, the weather bureau announced Wednesday. In its 11 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the center of the tropical depression was located approximately 1,770 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao.
According to Philippines News Agency, the depression is exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center, with gustiness reaching up to 70 kph. It is advancing west-northwestward at a speed of 15 kph. PAGASA indicated that the weather disturbance is expected to enter PAR by late Friday or early Saturday, at which point it will be designated with the local name Uwan, marking the country’s 21st cyclone of the year.
The weather system is anticipated to rapidly intensify, potentially escalating to a super typhoon category before making landfall over Northern or Central Luzon by early next week. As early as Friday evening or Saturday morning, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals might be issued for the eastern parts of Luzon and Samar Provinces in preparation for strong winds and heavy rainfall.
PAGASA has cautioned that, under the current forecast scenario, the highest possible alert could reach Signal No. 5, signaling potentially life-threatening storm conditions. Deteriorating weather is projected to commence on November 9, with stormy conditions expected over Northern and parts of Central Luzon on November 10 and 11.
