Tropical cyclone “Wutip” has intensified into a typhoon off the Pacific Ocean but it still has a slim chance of entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration estimated the location of Wutip at noon yesterday at 1,975 kilometers east of Mindanao, moving north-northwest at 10 kilometers per hour.
It has maximum sustained winds of 150 kph and gustiness of up to 185 kph.
PAGASA weather specialist Meno Mendoza said Wutip still has a minimal chance of entering the PAR but the weather bureau will continue to monitor the tropical cyclone for possible change in movement.
He noted that some international weather agencies are looking into the possible entry of Wutip inside the PAR.
This morning, PAGASA said Wutip is expected to be 1,930 kms east of Catarman, Northern Samar and 1,835 kms east of Virac, Catanduanes or still outside PAR tomorrow morning.
Wutip will likely begin to move away from the country by Tuesday morning as PAGASA expects its location to be 2,040 kms east of Infanta, Quezon.
PAGASA said the northeast monsoon or “amihan” will continue to be the prevailing weather system throughout the country.
Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms. The public is advised to be alert against possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.
Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains will affect Aurora, Quezon, Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Masbate, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy skies. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)
