Ofel to make landfall over Samar

MANILA, Philippines — The low-pressure area off Eastern Samar intensified into Tropical Depression Ofel yesterday, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds over the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas.

Ofel, the 15th cyclone to enter the country this year, is expected to make landfall over the Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area this morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 was raised over Sorsogon; Northern Samar, the northern portion of Eastern Samar including Borongan City, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Can-Avid, Dolores, Maslog, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche, Jipapad and the northern portion of Samar including Pinabacdao, Villareal, Talalora, Daram, Zumarraga, Calbiga, Hinabangan, Paranas, San Sebastian, Motiong, Jiabong, Catbalogan City, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Matuguinao, Tarangnan, Gandara, Pagsanghan, Santa Margarita, Calbayog City, Santo Nino, Almagro and Tagapul-An.

Moderate to heavy rains will persist until this morning over Catanduanes, Masbate including Ticao Island, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran and the northern portion of Leyte.

Light to moderate to at times heavy rains will be experienced over the rest of Eastern Visayas and the Bicol region.

Sorsogon, Northern Samar and the northern portions of Eastern Samar and Samar will experience occasional gusts associated with the tropical depression, PAGASA said.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the center of Ofel was estimated at 115 kilometers east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, packing winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

It was forecast to move north northwest at 15 kph.

Ofel is likely to remain a tropical depression while traversing the southern portion of Southern Luzon this afternoon, PAGASA said.

It was expected to reach the tropical storm category within 48 hours once it moves over the West Philippine Sea.

Rains will prevail over Metro Manila tomorrow until Saturday as Ofel crosses Southern Luzon, PAGASA weather forecaster Ariel Rojas said.

Ofel is expected to intensify into a severe tropical storm before it exits the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday, he said.