PEPITO (Man-Yi) continues to strengthen in the Philippine Sea and is almost at Typhoon category. An formative eye is now distinct in Microwave Imagery and is almost seen in visible images -- a foreboding sign that it is gearing up for a rapid intensification phase.
PEPITO (Man-Yi) has maximum winds of 110 km/hr with gusts reaching 135 km/hr, and moving to the West at 25 km/hr.
Japan Meteorological Agency now has PEPITO (Man-Yi) as a TYPHOON.
IMPORTANT NOTE
⚠️ Any shift in the movement of PEPITO (Man-Yi) to the north or south of the forecast track can cause a SIGNIFICANT CHANGE on it's forecast track and its effects on a location.
⚠️ TRACK CHANGES are common and frequent, and may occur within 3-12 hours!
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1️⃣ has been raised over areas in Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.
Dost_pagasa has PEPITO (Man-Yi) reaching SUPER TYPHOON category as it tracks Westward then gradually turning to the West-Northwest before it smashes into Catanduanes by Sunday Morning before proceeding to Central Luzon, north of Metro Manila via Polillio Island/Northern Quezon by Sunday Afternoon/Evening.
The cone of confidence still covers the entire Luzon area as track errors range from 150 to 225 km radius for any forecast within 72 hours. Thus a track South (or North) of the line is much possible.
Luzon, particularly Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Metro Manila, Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas may experience impacts from this Typhoon and preparations should be underway at this time before the onset of heavy rainfall and strong winds by this weekend.
Keep monitoring.
📷Weathernerds, Easterlywave, NOAA Satellite and Information Service, Dost_pagasa, Japan Meteorological Agency
TCPH
