Ofel weakens into tropical depression after reentering PAR

Track and intensity forecast of Tropical Depression Ofel (international name: Usagi) as of 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Image from Pagasa / Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical cyclone Ofel (international name: Usagi) weakened into a tropical depression and was about to make landfall in Southern Taiwan on Saturday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, Pagasa said that “Ofel is forecast to cross the southern portion of Taiwan and possibly emerge over the sea east of Taiwan within 12 hours.”

Pagasa added that the tropical depression may diminish into a low pressure area within the same period.

READ: Ofel still inside PAR; to further weaken as it moves toward Taiwan

Further, Ofel was last located some 195 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, packing up a maximum wind speed of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 60 kph.

READ: Weakened Ofel re-enters PAR

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals have been lifted. Pagasa also noted that Ofel is not directly affecting the coastal and land areas of the country.

Ofel re-entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday, 10 p.m. It almost reached super typhoon category on Thursday.