The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) elevated Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 over parts of the Bicol Region as Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) strengthened, according to the latest advisory on Saturday morning.
As of 11 a.m., Pagasa reported that Pepito was located approximately 185 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, or 250 km east of Juban, Sorsogon. The storm has sustained winds reaching up to 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts up to 230 kph.
Areas under TCWS No. 4, which warns of winds between 118 kph and 184 kph within the next 12 hours, include Catanduanes and parts of Camarines Sur, specifically Garchitorena, Presentacion, Caramoan, Lagonoy, and San Jose. The agency cautioned that these conditions could result in significant to severe damage.
Pagasa indicated that TCWS No. 5 might be raised as the typhoon is expected to make landfall in Catanduanes by Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, November 17.
Additionally, TCWS No. 3 was issued for areas in Luzon, including parts of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, as well as the eastern areas of Albay and Sorsogon. In the Visayas, the eastern parts of Northern Samar and the northern sections of Eastern Samar were also affected.
Regions under TCWS No. 2 and TCWS No. 1 were also announced, covering multiple provinces in Luzon, the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. These areas can expect varying intensities of winds and rainfall as the storm advances.
Pagasa projected that Pepito would traverse through the Bicol Region, move across Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Cordillera, and Ilocos Region before exiting to the West Philippine Sea. The typhoon is forecasted to leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday, November 18.
