The tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has intensified into Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, according to PAGASA.

As of 4:00 AM, the storm was located 1,715 kilometers east of Northeastern Mindanao, outside PAR, with coordinates 9.7°N, 141.1°E. Fung-Wong carries maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center, gusts of up to 80 km/h, and a central pressure of 998 hPa. It is moving northwest at 20 km/h, with strong to gale-force winds extending up to 550 km from its center.

PAGASA said Fung-Wong will continue to move northwest until Thursday, before shifting west-northwest for the remainder of the forecast period. The storm is expected to enter PAR late Friday evening or early Saturday, where it will be named “Uwan.”

There is an increasing possibility that the tropical cyclone will make landfall over Northern or Central Luzon on Monday, November 10.

Fung-Wong is forecast to rapidly intensify, potentially reaching typhoon category by Thursday and super typhoon category by Saturday. It may also make landfall at or near peak intensity.

Wind signals may be raised as early as Friday evening or Saturday morning over the eastern portion of Luzon and parts of Samar. PAGASA warned that the highest possible signal for this scenario is Wind Signal No. 5.

Weather conditions may begin to deteriorate by Sunday, with potentially life-threatening storm conditions over Northern and Central Luzon on Monday and Tuesday, including risks of storm surge and coastal flooding.

Moderate to rough seas are expected along the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern waters of the Visayas and Mindanao by Friday or Saturday. Hazardous sea conditions may affect most of Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon and the Visayas starting Sunday, with gale warnings likely to be issued by Saturday.

Authorities urged the public and disaster management offices to closely monitor updates and prepare for possible severe weather conditions.