Pagasa debunks looming ‘supertyphoon’ rumors

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has debunked rumors circulating on social media of a “supertyphoon” that will supposedly hit the country in January 2018.

In a statement, Pagasa weather division chief Esperanza Cayanan said that while it was normal for a tropical cyclone to form in or enter the Philippine area of responsibility in January, “predicting the tropical cyclone intensity to reach supertyphoon category for more than one week ahead has a very high uncertainty.”

“The general public is advised to be more careful, verify information and listen only to right authority so as not to cause panic,” Cayanan said.

Since Tropical Storm “Vinta’s” exit last Sunday, there has been no prevailing storm in the Philippine area of responsibility.

In its 4 a.m. forecast on Tuesday, Pagasa said it was the tailend of a cold front affecting the eastern section of southern Luzon, and the northeast monsoon affecting northern and Central Luzon that were bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms. Only localized thunderstorms are expected to bring isolated rainshowers in the Visayas and Mindanao.

On Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said a low pressure area outside the Philippine area of responsibility might enter the country in January. It was quick to point out, however, that it had not determined whether the weather disturbance would cause damage. — JAYMEE T. GAMIL