Typhoon Ofel has further intensified, prompting the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 in several areas of Luzon.
As of 5 a.m., PAGASA’s tracking places Typhoon Ofel's center 475 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, or 595 km east of Daet, Camarines Norte, with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 150 km/h. Ofel is moving westward at 25 km/h.
TCWS No. 1 is in effect in the following areas of Luzon:
- Cagayan
- Babuyan Islands
- the northern and central portions of Isabela (Maconacon, San Pablo, Cabagan, Santa Maria, Divilacan, Palanan, Santo Tomas, Alicia, San Mateo, Aurora, Quezon, San Mariano, Naguilian, Dinapigue, Roxas, San Guillermo, Luna, Delfin Albano, City of Cauayan, Ilagan City, Angadanan, Benito Soliven, Tumauini, Reina Mercedes, San Manuel, Cabatuan, Quirino, Gamu, Mallig, Burgos)
- Apayao
- the eastern portion of Kalinga (Rizal, City of Tabuk, Pinukpuk)
- the easternmost portion of Mountain Province (Paracelis)
- the easternmost portion of Ifugao (Alfonso Lista)
These areas may experience a general wind threat from the typhoon, with minimal to minor impacts from strong winds.
According to PAGASA, Typhoon Ofel is expected to continue moving west-northwest to northwest over the Philippine Sea, likely making landfall along the east coast of Cagayan or Isabela tomorrow afternoon (November 14). It is then projected to cross into the Luzon Strait by Friday (November 15), shift north-northwest, slow down, and potentially move erratically over the weekend.
The typhoon’s track may still shift within the forecast confidence range, especially on days four and five. Two potential scenarios are emerging: the typhoon could take a more southward path while crossing land, or it might veer right, remaining offshore of Northern Luzon.
Track adjustments are possible, as Ofel is forecast to intensify steadily over the next 24 hours and may reach peak intensity upon landfall.
