PAGASA: Storm 1 signal in some areas as Ofel threatens heavy rain

MANILA – Ofel’s tropical depression Tuesday night will bring heavy rain and fierce winds across parts of Luzon and Visayas, the state meteorological office said, issuing the Storm 1 warning signal in some areas.

Ofel was 115 kilometers east southeast of Guiuan city, eastern Samar, at 4 pm, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts of 55 kilometers per hour, PAGASA said.

The storm is expected to make landfall in the eastern Samar-North Samar area on Wednesday morning, then head south to Luzon. It is expected to intensify and become a tropical storm within 48 hours once it emerges over the Western Philippine Sea, the weather agency said.

Moderate to heavy rains could hit Catanduanes, Masbate, including Ticao Island, Albay, Sorsogon, North Samar, East Samar, Samar, Biliran and the northern part of Leyte until early Wednesday, PAGASA said.

The rest of the eastern Visayas and Bicol will experience light to moderate rains and occasionally heavy rains, he said.

Heavy or prolonged rains could lead to flooding or landslides in these areas, PAGASA said.

The agency said it has raised the 1 storm signal in the following areas, where 30 to 60 kph winds can tear off the roofs of nipa and cogon huts, damage rice crops and topple banana plants:

• Sorsogon
• Visayas
• North Samar
• Northern portion of eastern Samar (Borongan city, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Can-Avid, Dolores, Maslog, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche, Jipapad)
• Northern portion of Samar (Pinabacdao, Villareal, Talalora, Daram, Zumarraga, Calbiga, Hinabangan, Paranas, San Sebastián, Motiong, Jiabong, Catbalogan City, San Jorge, San José de Buan, Matuguinao, Tarangnan, Gandara, Pagsanghan, Santa Margarita, City of Calbayog, Santo Nino, Almagro, Tagapul-An)

Ofel is expected to leave the Philippine area of ​​responsibility on Saturday afternoon, PAGASA said.

Visit the ABS-CBN Weather Center for updates.