Now-typhoon Pepito is “very dangerous,” warned the state weather bureau on Friday morning.
Pepito’s maximum sustained winds are at 130 kilometers per hour (kph), with a gustiness of 160 kph. It may develop into a super typhoon should it reach 185 kph in maximum sustained winds, and it could do so even before reaching land on Saturday night or Sunday morning.
“The next 24 hours are critical. Pepito moves really fast at 30 kph. Lubhang mapanganib ito (This is extremely dangerous),” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Administrator Nathaniel Servando cautioned in a press briefing.
“It is forecast to further intensify as it goes nearer the landmass. Torrential rains could result in floods, landslides and storm surge,” he added.
Pepito was determined to be 630 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 10 AM. According to PAGASA forecaster Glaiza Esculiar, it will possibly make landfall in Catanduanes.
Areas which may be affected include: Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, Central Luzon, and Quezon province. Provinces in Samar, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, and parts of Central Luzon must also prepare for the approaching typhoon as they are in its forecast track.
As of PAGASA’s fourth bulletin issued at 5 PM, areas under Signal No. 2 due to Pepito are the following:
- The eastern part of Northern Samar (Mapanas, Gamay, Palapag, Lapinig, Silvino Lobos, Laoang, Catubig, Las Navas, Pambujan, Mondragon, San Roque, Catarman, Lope de Vega)
- The northern part of Eastern Samar (Arteche, Oras, San Policarpo, Dolores, Jipapad, Maslog, Can-Avid)
- The northeast part Samar (San Jose de Buan, Matuguinao)
Winds stronger than 62 kph, up to 88 kph is expected in at least 24 hours.
