Headline: Tropical Storm Ofel Weakens Over Taiwan; Impact on Cagayan Felt
Tropical Storm Ofel (international name: Usagi), which recently caused significant damage in Cagayan, is currently weakening as it moves slowly over the sea west of Taiwan. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of 4 a.m. Saturday, Ofel’s center was located approximately 240 km northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. The storm is generating maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near its center, with gusts reaching 90 km/h, while slowly progressing in a north-northeast direction.
Storm Details and Current Status
Tropical Storm Ofel re-entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday night, but is not anticipated to bring significant rainfall to the country. Despite the cooling temperatures in the region, the storm is creating strong to gale-force winds that extend up to 160 km from its center.
- Location: 240 km northwest of Itbayat, Batanes
- Wind Speed: Max sustained winds of 75 km/h
- Gustiness: Up to 90 km/h
- Central Pressure: 998 hPa
- Movement: North northeastward at a slow pace
PAGASA has issued a warning regarding coastal conditions, particularly for the seaboard of Batanes, where rough seas are expected to reach heights of up to 3 meters. “Mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels,” said a PAGASA representative.
Forecast for Coastal Waters
The following coastal waters are also experiencing heightened conditions due to Ofel:
- Babuyan Islands: Up to 2.5 meters
- Northern Cagayan and Ilocos Norte: Up to 2.0 meters
PAGASA has strongly urged mariners of motorbancas and similarly sized vessels to exercise caution and, where possible, to avoid navigating these waters during the storm’s influence.
Forecast Track and Intensity Outlook
Over the course of Saturday, Tropical Storm Ofel is projected to move northeastward, crossing southern Taiwan before emerging over the sea east of Taiwan early Sunday morning. The storm is expected to weaken further due to its interaction with Taiwan’s mountainous terrain and the increasingly unfavorable atmospheric conditions, with potential dissipation into a remnant low-pressure system by Sunday or earlier.
“Public and disaster risk reduction and management offices should take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” cautioned PAGASA, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
Impacts on the Technology and General Sectors
The impact of Tropical Storm Ofel is especially noted in Cagayan, where residents are still recovering from previous weather disturbances. The technological sector may find some disruptions as local telecommunications could be at risk if storm conditions affect power sources or infrastructure.
Stay informed with latest updates through trusted sources like TechCrunch, Wired, and The Verge that often report on the intersection of technology with disaster recovery and public safety.
Final Thoughts
As Tropical Storm Ofel continues to impact areas of the Philippines and Taiwan, the importance of preparation and safety cannot be overstated. To stay updated with storm tracking and forecasts, local authorities recommend regular checks of PAGASA bulletins and local news outlets.
We invite you to share your thoughts or experiences regarding Tropical Storm Ofel in the comments below. How has the recent storm affected you or your local community? Join the conversation and help spread awareness about storm preparedness.
