(Satellite image of Typhoon Samuel courtesy of PAGASA)
MANILA — Typhoon Cempaka entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday, November 9, and was assigned the local name Samuel, but is unlikely to directly affect weather conditions in the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the typhoon was located 1,370 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, moving north-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour.
Samuel was packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts reaching 150 kilometers per hour.
No tropical cyclone wind signals have been raised in any part of the country.
Despite the typhoon’s distance, PAGASA warned that the northeast monsoon, or amihan, would bring strong to gale-force gusts across most of Luzon and the Visayas.
Similar conditions are expected in Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Sarangani.
PAGASA said Samuel could intensify further and reach its peak strength Monday night or early Tuesday, November 10.
The typhoon is also forecast to leave PAR during the same period as it continues moving north-northwest.
Residents, particularly those in areas experiencing strong monsoon winds, are advised to monitor official weather bulletins and take precautions against potentially hazardous conditions.
