Severe Tropical Storm Fung-wong has continued to gather strength while moving over the Philippine Sea northeast of Palau.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin on Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the center of Fung-wong at 1,315 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The storm has gathered significant strength, now packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 125 kph.
The severe tropical storm is moving west-northwestward at a speed of 20 kph and is expected to cross into the PAR either late Friday evening or during the early hours of Saturday morning. Entering Philippine waters, the weather disturbance will be given the local name “Uwan.” Its entry will trigger the immediate issuance of gale warnings and the raising of initial wind signals over vulnerable areas.
PAGASA issued a serious warning regarding the cyclone’s anticipated growth. Forecasters project that Fung-wong may undergo rapid intensification, potentially reaching typhoon category within the next 24 hours. Alarmingly, the system is expected to continue strengthening, with a high probability of escalating into a Super Typhoon by Saturday evening or Sunday morning, indicating a major and destructive weather event is approaching.
The most critical period for the storm is forecast for late Sunday or early Monday, which is when its landfall is projected to occur. The current trajectory indicates the storm will strike the area between the southern portion of Isabela and the northern portion of Aurora province before crossing Northern Luzon and eventually emerging over the West Philippine Sea.
In anticipation of the strong winds and heavy rainfall, PAGASA is likely to hoist Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) over parts of Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and the Caraga Region as early as Friday afternoon or evening. Under the current forecast scenario, the highest possible alert level is Signal No. 5, reserved for the most catastrophic wind conditions brought by a Super Typhoon.
Weather conditions across the affected regions are expected to begin their sharp deterioration starting Sunday. PAGASA warned that potentially life-threatening winds and heavy rains are possible over the entirety of Northern Luzon and portions of Central Luzon on Monday and Tuesday, prompting government units, including the DILG, to order the mandatory evacuation of residents in high-risk areas.