‘Uwan’ intensifies, storm signals up in several regions

Local

TYPHOON Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) has rapidly intensified over the Philippine Sea.

This prompted weather authorities to raise storm signals across several regions, including parts of Cebu, as the system continues to move closer to the Visayas and Luzon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Uwan’s strength increased significantly in the past 24 hours, now packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts reaching 170 kph.

The storm was last located 680 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, or 760 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, as of 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

Uwan is moving westward at 35 kph, with strong to typhoon-force winds extending outward up to 780 kilometers from its center, a span wide enough to affect multiple regions even before the storm’s expected landfall.

Signal No. 1 Up Over Cebu

Pagasa raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over Cebu City, northern and central Cebu towns, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and neighboring areas, warning of strong winds and heavy rains within 36 hours.

Signal No. 2 is up in Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and parts of Samar, where gale-force winds are expected within 24 hours, posing a minor to moderate threat to life and property.

PAGASA forecasted that a landfall over the southern portion of Isabela or northern Aurora remains likely between late Sunday and early Monday.

However, a slight southward shift in its path could bring its eyewall closer to Catanduanes or the Bicol Region, the agency warned.

Floods, storm surges expected

Pagasa cautioned that widespread flooding and landslides may occur in low-lying and mountainous areas, particularly in the Visayas and Northern Mindanao, even before Uwan makes landfall.

Residents in vulnerable zones are urged to immediately evacuate when advised by local authorities. “We remind the public not to underestimate the effects of this system. Even if not in the direct path, Uwan’s wide wind circulation can still cause severe weather,” Servando said.

A gale warning remains in effect over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon, as well as the eastern seaboard of the Visayas, with waves reaching up to 14 meters. The Philippine Coast Guard has suspended sea travel for all types of vessels across affected routes due to extremely dangerous sea conditions.

Pagasa warned that sea travel is risky for all vessels, advising mariners and small fishing boats to stay in port or seek safe shelter until the storm passes.

Path and forecast

The typhoon is forecast to move west-northwestward through Sunday, likely passing close to Catanduanes before making landfall in Northern Luzon. After crossing the mountainous terrain, it is expected to weaken slightly but remain a typhoon as it exits toward the West Philippine Sea by Monday.

Uwan is the latest in a series of strong cyclones to test the country’s disaster response systems, coming just a week after Typhoon Tino devastated Cebu and parts of the Visayas, leaving over 130 dead and tens of thousands displaced.(TGP)