Manila: Typhoon Tino maintained its strength on Tuesday afternoon as it continued to move northwestward and is expected to emerge over the Sulu Sea later this evening, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
According to Philippines News Agency, in its 5 p.m. bulletin, the weather bureau said the center of Tino was estimated in the vicinity of Patnongon, Antique (10.9°N, 122.0°E), packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center, gustiness of up to 180 km/h, and a central pressure of 970 hPa. It was moving northwestward at 15 km/h.
PAGASA said strong to typhoon-force winds extend outward up to 300 km from the center.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 is in effect over Calamian and Cuyo Islands, the central and southern portions of Antique and Iloilo, and Guimaras, where typhoon-force winds of 118 to 184 km/h may bring significant to severe threats to life and property.
TCWS No. 3 remained hoisted over portions of Palawan, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and northern Negros Oriental, where storm-force winds may cause moderate to significant impacts.
Signal No. 2 covered parts of Masbate, Mindoro provinces, Romblon, northern Palawan including Cagayancillo Islands, Cebu, and central Negros Island, with gale-force winds expected.
Signal No. 1 was up over southern Quezon, Marinduque, remaining portions of Mindoro, Romblon, Masbate, Palawan, and parts of Central Visayas including Bohol, Siquijor, Biliran, and portions of Leyte and Negros Oriental.
Heavy to intense rainfall might persist over Western Visayas, Mimaropa, and portions of Central Visayas due to Tino and the prevailing shear line, PAGASA said.
Residents in areas under higher wind signals were advised to brace for destructive winds, especially those in coastal and upland communities directly exposed to strong gusts.
Meanwhile, the combined effects of the northeast monsoon, shear line, and Tino’s trough will bring strong to gale-force gusts over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in the next two days.
A storm surge reaching heights of more than three meters is expected within the next 24 hours along the coasts of Romblon, Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, and Negros Island Region, posing a high risk of flooding and damage.
A Gale Warning remained in effect for the western and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon and the western seaboard of Visayas, where sea travel is risky due to very rough seas up to 6.0 meters.
All mariners were advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor until conditions improve.
The weather bureau said Tino will likely move across northern Palawan early Wednesday before emerging over the West Philippine Sea. It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday.
Tino is forecast to re-intensify as it traverses the West Philippine Sea and may reach peak intensity within the next few days.
The public and disaster risk reduction and management councils are urged to take all necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to flooding, landslides, and coastal inundation.
