Tropical Depression 'Obet' can still intensify to tropical storm, prompt Signal No. 2
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2:24 p.m.) — State weather forecasters are not ruling out the possibility that Tropical Depression Obet can intensify into a tropical storm earlier than expected, along with the hoisting of Wind Signal No. 2 as a result.
In its latest weather bulletin issued 2 p.m. Friday, PAGASA said Obet is forecast to track generally westward until Saturday and its center is likely to pass over or very close to Batanes between Friday afternoon and evening.
"Obet is forecast to gradually intensify and may reach tropical storm category between tonight (Friday) and tomorrow morning (Saturday), although the possibility of a slightly earlier intensification to tropical storm category is not ruled out," PAGASA said.
Obet was last seen 140 km east of Basco, Batanes moving westward at 20 kph and packing winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
Government forecasters warned of "moderate to heavy with at times intense rains likely over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northern portions of Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and mainland Cagayan" and "light to moderate with at times heavy rains possible over the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte."
Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga) remain under Signal No. 1.
"However, the hoisting of Wind Signal No. 2 (for gale-force winds) remains possible should Obet reach tropical storm category prior or during its traverse of the Luzon Strait – a scenario that is not ruled out at this time," PAGASA said.
Forecast positions
On the forecast track, Obet is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning or afternoon.
- Oct. 21, 11 p.m. - Over the coastal waters of Itbayat, Batanes
- Oct. 22, 11 a.m. - 265 km West of Itbayat, Batanes (Outside PAR)
- Oct. 22, 11 p.m. - 430 km West of Itbayat, Batanes (Outside PAR)
- Oct. 23, 11 a.m. - 645 km West of Basco, Batanes (Outside PAR)
- Oct. 23, 11 p.m. - 805 km West of Extreme Northern Luzon (Outside PAR)
- Oct. 24, 11 a.m. - 1,030 km West of Extreme Northern Luzon (Outside PAR)
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