A developing weather system east of the Philippines could strengthen into a powerful cyclone and threaten Northern Luzon in the coming days, according to international and local forecasts.
The tropical disturbance, which has already intensified into a tropical depression, is projected to rapidly strengthen over the Philippine Sea. The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) said the system may reach maximum sustained winds of 203 kilometers per hour with gusts of up to 250 kph by Sunday.
Philippine weather bureau PAGASA said the cyclone may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday night or Saturday, after which it will be named “Uwan.”
As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, the system was about 1,690 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao with winds of 55 kph and gusts reaching 70 kph, and it remains too far to directly affect the country.
PAGASA warned that the disturbance will continue to intensify over the Philippine Sea. “It may eventually reach typhoon category on Thursday (06 November) and super typhoon during the weekend,” the agency said.
The bureau added that a possible landfall in Northern Luzon is being monitored, although the exact time and location remain uncertain.
The JTWC echoed the outlook, noting the storm’s favorable environment for strengthening as it moves toward the northern Philippines. “(The tropical depression) is expected to reach typhoon level maximum winds within the next 48 hours and continue strengthening,” its advisory stated.
Residents in northern and eastern parts of the country are advised to stay updated on official forecasts and prepare for possible heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough coastal conditions.
