MANILA – Typhoon Ompong accelerated and slightly shifted its movement but continue to pose a threat to northern Luzon.
In its 5 p.m. severe weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Ompong” was last spotted 575 km. east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.
“Ompong” is now moving west northwest at a speed of 25 km. per hour (kph), packing maximum sustained winds of 205 kph and gusts of up to 255 kph.
Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan group of Islands, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Isabela, Benguet, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon including Polillo Island, Northern Occidental Mindoro, Northern, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Burias and Ticao island, Northern Samar
Areas under TCWS No. 1 will experience occasional rains and gusty winds.
“Ompong” is forecast to make landfall in Cagayan-Isabela area early Saturday.
Meanwhile, moderate to occasionally heavy rains are expected over Palawan, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Visayas on Friday due to the southwest monsoon.
PAGASA advised fisherfolks and those with small sea vessels not to venture out over the seaboards of areas under TCWS No. 1, the northern seaboard of northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Visayas and of Mindanao.
Maintaining its speed and direction, “Ompong” is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Sunday. (Benjamin Nathaniel Bondoc/PNA)
