The latest typhoon bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on November 7 said that heavy rain is forecast in 25 provinces in Luzon and Visayas on November 9 due to the severe tropical storm Fung-wong, which is expected to enter the Philippine Forecast Area (PAR) this weekend.
PAGASA forecasts heavy to very heavy rain (from 100 to 200mm) in the areas after November 9: Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes.
Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rain (50 to 100mm) is forecast in the following areas: Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Batanes, Cagayan, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran.
"rainfall is forecast to be higher in mountainous and highland areas. The impact in some areas may become more serious due to previous heavy rains," PAGASA's bulletin said.
According to the Philippine weather agency, Fung-wong strengthened into a severe tropical storm on the morning of November 7 and is expected to enter the sea east of the Philippines by midnight of November 7 or the morning of November 8. When entering PAR, Fung-wong will be locally named Typhoon Uwan after entering PAR.
Although uncertain about the forecast track and intensity for the 4th and 5th days, the likelihood of the typhoon making landfall in northern or central Luzon on November 10 is increasing.
In terms of intensity, Typhoon Fung-wong is forecast to rapidly strengthen and may reach typhoon level in the next 24 hours and become a super typhoon in the evening of November 8 or the morning of November 9. The storm could make landfall at or near peak intensity.
Meteorologists warn that Typhoon Fung-wong is likely to rapidly strengthen as it moves near Taiwan (China) and the northern Philippines, endangering tens of millions of people who have already experienced a severe typhoon season.
Before Typhoon Fung-wong, the Philippines was heavily damaged by Typhoon No. 13 Kalmaegi. Fung-wong is expected to cut across the path of Super Typhoon Ragasa and Typhoon Kalmaegi, causing the most serious consequences directly to the capital Manila, home to more than 15 million people.
Super Typhoon Ragasa devastated the northern Philippines a few weeks ago, killing 19 people and causing damage of more than 1.6 billion USD.
Forecast models show that Fung-wong's central pressure may drop below 950 hPa, suggesting it is a strong typhoon. Continuous gusts of wind at speeds of more than 210 km/h can blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause power outages for many days.
Forecasters say total rainfall in mountainous areas could exceed 400mm, causing flash floods and landslides. Extreme winds and heavy rains could destroy coastal and inland areas at high risk.
Philippine typhoon forecasters say that with warm ocean waters and a favorable environment for rapid intensification, Fung-wong is becoming one of the most dangerous storms of the typhoon season.
