PAGASA monitoring two tropical cyclones outside PAR amid Typhoon Nika

As Typhoon Nika affects large parts of Luzon, the state weather bureau is also monitoring two tropical cyclones outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), with one expected to enter within the week.

In a press briefing of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday morning, the tropical cyclone closest to the PAR has intensified into a Tropical Depression from a Low Pressure Area.

It has maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, with gusts of up to 55 km/h. The tropical cyclone is currently located 1,685 km east of Eastern Visayas (11.4°N, 141.2°E) and is moving west northwestward at a speed of 35 km/h.

According to PAGASA, the tropical cyclone is expected to approach the eastern side of Visayas and Luzon before recurving towards the Taiwan-Japan area.

“Itong tropical depression ay may posibilidad na pumasok sa ating Philippine Area of Responsibility ngayong linggo [This tropical depression has the possibility of entering our Philippine Area of Responsibility this week],” Aldczar D. Aurelio, PAGASA’s weather specialist said in press briefing.

Mr. Aurelio also said that if the tropical depression enters the PAR, it will be named ‘Ofel.’

Another tropical cyclone being monitored by PAGASA is Tropical Storm Manyi (international name), located 3,555 km east of Central Luzon (15.2°N, 154.8°E) and moving slowly eastward. It is projected to generally move westward, towards the Visayas and Southern Luzon.

Manyi has a maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center, with gusts of up to 105 km/h.

“Sa ngayon malabong pumasok (ito) sa ating Philippine Area of Responsibility [As of now, it is unlikely to enter our Philippine Area of Responsibility],” Mr. Aurelio said.

Meanwhile, in an advisory issued by PAGASA on Monday at 11 a.m., Typhoon Nika made landfall over Disalag, Aurora, and is now traversing Northern Luzon. It is expected to emerge over the sea west of Ilocos Sur by Monday afternoon or evening.

Nika will then move west northwestward over the West Philippine Sea and is forecast to exit the PAR by Tuesday morning or afternoon. – Edg Adrian A. Eva