Ofel now over West PH Sea, parts of Luzon to have light to moderate rain

MANILA, Philippines — Parts of Luzon may experience light to moderate rains as Tropical Depression Ofel continues to move westward over the West Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said Thursday.

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said  Ofel will bring light to moderate with at times heavy rains over mainland Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Central Luzon.

Meanwhile, rains are also expected over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Palawan (including Calamian, Cuyo, and Kalayaan Islands) because of the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

Based on Pagasa’s latest information, Ofel was last spotted at 275 kilometers west of Tanauan, Batangas.

Ofel is also packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

The tropical depression continues to move westward at 20 kph.

Pagasa earlier lifted all tropical cyclone wind signals in all previously-affected areas.

Ofel is also expected to weaken into a low-pressure area within the next 12 to 24 hours.

/MUF