Cyclone “Wutip” developed into a typhoon; remains outside PAR

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Cyclone “Wutip” has intensified into a typhoon off the Pacific Ocean but it still has a slim chance of entering the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

Around Saturday noon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the location of Wutip at 1,975 kilometers east of Mindanao, moving north-northwest at 10 kilometers per hour (kph).

It has maximum sustained winds of 150 kph and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

PAGASA weather specialist Meno Mendoza said Wutip still has a minimal chance of entering the PAR but the weather bureau will continue to monitor the cyclone for possible change in movement.

He noted that some international weather agencies are looking into the possible entry of Wutip inside the PAR.

By Sunday morning, PAGASA said Wutip is expected at 1,930 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar, and by Monday morning, it will be 1,835 km east of Virac, Catanduanes or still outside PAR.

Wutip will likely begin to move away from the country by Tuesday morning as PAGASA expects its location to be 2,040 km east of Infanta, Quezon.

PAGASA said the northeast monsoon or amihan will continue to be the prevailing weather system throughout the country.

Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms. The public is advised to be alert against possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains will affect Aurora, Quezon, Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Masbate, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy skies.