‘Ofel’ intensifies into storm; threatens Caraga, Visayas

MTSAT ENHANCED-IR Satellite Image 5 a.m., 24 October 2012

MANILA, Philippines—”Ofel” has intensified into a tropical storm and threatens Caraga Region and the Visayas, the weather bureau said Wednesday morning.

At 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, the center of Tropical Storm Ofel was estimated at 90 kilometers east of Tandag, Surigao Del Sur, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Ofel was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 80 kph, Pagasa said.

It was forecast to move west northwest at 15 kph, Pagasa added.

Storm Warning Signals

Public Storm Warning Signal No.2 was hoisted over Southern Leyte, Dinagat island, Surigao provinces, Agusan Del Norte, northern Agusan Del Sur and Camiguin island.

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is in effect over Samar provinces, Leyte, Biliran island, Bohol, Cebu including Camotes island, Negros provinces, Siquijor island, rest of Agusan Del Sur, northern Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

Pagasa warned residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under Signal Nos. 1 and 2 against possible flash floods and landslides.

Meanwhile, residents along coastal areas under Signal No. 2 are alerted of possible storm surges.