Pepito approaches the departure of PAR, may intensify on his way to Vietnam: PAGASA

MANILA – Severe Tropical Storm Pepito decelerated while staying strong as it nears its exit from the Philippine area of ​​responsibility, the state meteorological office PAGASA said Wednesday night.

In its 11 pm weather bulletin, PAGASA said Pepito was last seen approximately 305 km west of the city of Dagupan, Pangasinan, with maximum sustained winds of 95 km / h near the center and gusts of 115 km / h. h.

It was last seen moving southwest at 10 kph.

Pepito is expected to leave the PAR on Thursday morning or afternoon. PAGASA said that starting Friday, the weather disturbance will head further west and accelerate toward Vietnam, and could escalate to typhoon status within 48 hours.

From Wednesday night to Thursday, light to moderate, sometimes heavy rains will be experienced in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Northern Aurora, Western Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Archipelago from Sulu.

PAGASA warned that flooding (including flash floods) and rain-induced landslides can occur during heavy or prolonged rains in affected areas.

The meteorological agency also said that strong gale-force winds with occasional gusts due to the southwest monsoon intensified by Pepito will continue to affect northern and central Luzon, especially in the western portions of these areas.

Meanwhile, the gale warning remains in effect on all northern and central Luzon coastlines, the eastern coastline of northern Quezon, including the Polillo Islands, and the western shores of Batangas, Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Island) and Palawan (including the Calamian and Kalayaan Islands). due to rough to very rough seas.

PAGASA said sea travel is risky in these areas, especially for small boats.

The moderate to rough seas will also prevail over the eastern coasts of southern Quezon and the Bicol region. Those with small boats are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea, PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, the tropical depression detected outside PAR was last seen 1,835 km east northeast of the extreme north of Luzon.

The meteorological office said it had maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gusts of 70 kph, while moving south-southwest at 10 kph, but it is unlikely to enter the PAR.

But the low pressure area also outside the PAR is like entering the Philippine territory on Friday and it can turn into a tropical depression over the weekend, PAGASA said, but it is not affecting the climate in any part of the country at the moment, the agency. additional.

Visit the ABS-CBN Weather Center for updates.