Tropical Depression Ofel: Signal No. 1 up over Samar, Sorsogon

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau on Tuesday evening raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over Sorsogon, Northern Samar, and parts of Eastern Samar due to Tropical Depression Ofel.

In its 5 p.m. severe weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)  said TCWS No.1 was hoisted on the following areas:

• Sorsogon
• Northern Samar
• the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Borongan City, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Can-Avid, Dolores, Maslog, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche, Jipapad)
• the northern portion of Samar (Pinabacdao, Villareal, Talalora, Daram, Zumarraga, Calbiga, Hinabangan, Paranas, San Sebastian, Motiong, Jiabong, Catbalogan City, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Matuguinao, Tarangnan, Gandara, Pagsanghan, Santa Margarita, Calbayog City, Santo Nino, Almagro, Tagapul-An)

Areas under TCWS No. 1 may experience winds of 30 to 60 kilometers per hour (kph) in at least 36 hours or intermittent rains within 36 hours, according to Pagasa.

At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Ofel was estimated at 115 kilometers east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

It is moving north-northwestward at 15 kph.

Based on its movement, Pagasa predicted that Ofel may hit the Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area on Wednesday morning.

Pagasa also said it expects Ofel to reach the tropical storm category within 48 hours once it emerges over the West Philippine Sea.

From Tuesday to Wednesday morning, Ofel will bring moderate to heavy rains over Catanduanes, Masbate including Ticao Island, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, and the northern portion of Leyte.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains, meanwhile, will be experienced over the rest of Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region.

“Flooding (including flash floods) and rain-induced landslides may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards,” Pagasa said.

KGA