Potential super typhoon Uwan nears Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is currently monitoring a developing storm east of Mindanao that is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) as Typhoon Uwan by tonight or early tomorrow and may intensify into a super typhoon while approaching Northern Luzon.

At 10 a.m., the system, currently a large tropical storm located about 1,645 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, was moving northwest at around 10 kilometers per hour.

Forecast models indicate sustained strengthening due to atmospheric and ocean conditions in the coming days.

Once inside PAR, Uwan (international name Fung-wong) is projected to track toward Northern Luzon, with a possible landfall in the provinces of Isabela or Aurora. The cyclone is expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous coastal conditions, particularly storm surges along the eastern seaboard.

Weather agencies are preparing to raise tropical cyclone wind signals and storm surge advisories as the system moves closer to land. Local governments in areas along the projected path have been advised to review evacuation plans, activate disaster monitoring protocols, and prepare relief and response logistics in advance.

Most of the country will continue to experience generally fair weather for now, although isolated thunderstorms may occur. The northeast monsoon remains present over the northern part of the country, bringing cooler temperatures.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi) continues to move westward after exiting PAR early Thursday. As of 4 p.m., the typhoon was positioned about 525 kilometers west northwest of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan. It is sustaining maximum winds of 165 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 205 km/h while moving toward the coast of central Vietnam at 25 km/h.

Strong to typhoon-force winds extend up to 400 kilometers from its center, affecting sea conditions over portions of the West Philippine Sea.

No tropical cyclone wind signals are currently in effect in the Philippines, but rough seas are being experienced along the seaboards of Batanes and the Kalayaan Islands.

Tino was expected to make landfall last night in central Vietnam, with gradual weakening forecast as it crosses inland.

Even as parts of the country are still reeling from Typhoon Tino, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged all local government units (LGUs) to brace for a potentially devastating super typhoon – already given the name Uwan – that is projected to hit the country this weekend.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is on full alert and has activated its disaster response plans ahead of the expected landfall of Typhoon Uwan, which is forecast to affect parts of the country in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III reminded local government units that they can already tap their calamity funds in the aftermath of recent typhoons, the latest of which brought devastation in Cebu. — Rainier Allan Ronda, Mark Ernest Villeza, Marc Jayson Cayabyab