PAGASA warned Bicol residents to brace for the worst as Super Typhoon “Pepito” poses a potentially catastrophic and life-threatening situation especially for the region’s northeastern portion.
Moving west-northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph), the center of its eye was last estimated 120 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes. The super typhoon now packs maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 240 kph.
Tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 5, the highest-possible rating, was hoisted over Catanduanes and the northeastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Presentacion).
This means that extreme impacts from typhoon-force winds are possible within any of these areas. Widespread damage is expected to high-risk structures and the situation is “potentially very destructive” to the community.
“Pepito is more likely to make landfall in the vicinity of Catanduanes by Saturday night or Friday early morning,” PAGASA reported.
“However, considering the limits of the forecast confidence cone, a landfall scenario over the eastern coast of Camarines Sur or Albay during the same time frame (if it moves slightly south of forecast track), or along the eastern coast of Quezon or Aurora tomorrow afternoon or evening remains (if it moves slightly north of forecast track) not ruled out,” it added.
The super typhoon is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Monday.
“Regardless of the landfall point, Pepito will move generally west northwestward over the weekend and pass over or near the localities of Bicol Region, Central Luzon, Quezon, and the southern portions of Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region before emerging over the West Philippine Sea Sunday evening or Monday morning,” PAGASA said.
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