‘Uwan’ weakens but may re-enter Ph

National

SEVERE Tropical Storm Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) has weakened while remaining outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

However, the state weather bureau said it may re-enter the country’s boundary by Wednesday evening, November 12, as it moves closer to Taiwan.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), on Tuesday, said Uwan was last spotted 370 kilometers west-northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, still outside PAR as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11.

It packs maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center, gustiness reaching 135 km/h, and is moving north-northwest at 10 km/h.

Pagasa said Uwan is forecast to graze the southwestern coast of Taiwan before briefly re-entering PAR on Wednesday night, Nov. 12.

By Thursday, Nov. 13, it will likely move toward the Ryukyu Islands and gradually weaken into a remnant low by Friday, Nov. 14.

Even while outside PAR, Uwan’s wide circulation continues to affect Northern Luzon, bringing strong winds, rough seas, and cloudy skies to Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and parts of Ilocos and Cagayan Valley.

As of Tuesday, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is still raised over Batanes and the western portion of Ilocos Norte, where winds between 62 to 88 km/h may cause minor to moderate damage to structures and vegetation.

Signal No. 1 remains in effect over portions of Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, where occasional gusts and light to moderate rains are expected.

Pagasa also noted that gusty conditions may extend beyond these areas, especially over upland and coastal zones in Luzon, Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, and Northern Samar.

A Gale Warning remains in effect over the northern and western seaboards of Luzon, where seas may reach up to eight meters high.

Pagasa advised fisherfolk and operators of small boats to avoid sailing, warning that rough to very rough sea conditions will persist until Uwan fully moves away.

While Uwan is expected to gradually weaken as it tracks northeastward, Pagasa reminded local government units (LGUs) and disaster response offices to stay alert for possible impacts, particularly in areas still recovering from recent floods and landslides.

“Minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible within areas under Wind Signal No. 2, while minimal to minor impacts may occur within Signal No. 1 areas,” PAGASA said in its latest Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 22.

Communities in flood- and landslide-prone zones are urged to remain vigilant, follow local advisories, and monitor regular updates from PAGASA’s regional divisions.(TGP)