Tropical Storm “Man-yi” (international name) entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, and has been given the local name “Pepito.”
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Pepito has since intensified into a severe tropical storm.
Tropical cyclone bulletins for Pepito will be issued starting at 11 p.m.
PAGASA’s heavy rainfall forecast warned of heavy to intense rainfall (100 to 200 millimeters) over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Sorsogon from Friday evening, Nov. 15 to Saturday evening, Nov. 16. “Numerous flooding events are likely, especially in urbanized and low-lying areas or near rivers. Likewise, landslides are likely in areas with moderate to high susceptibility.
Moderate to heavy rainfall (50 to 100 millimeters) may also affect Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Leyte, Biliran, and Samar. Localized flooding is possible, especially in urbanized and low-lying areas, or near rivers. Landslides are possible in highly vulnerable areas.
From Saturday evening to Sunday evening, Nov. 17, intense to torrential rainfall (more than 200 millimeters) may affect Quezon, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur. Widespread incidents of severe flooding and landslides are expected.
In addition, heavy to intense rainfall may persist in Northern Samar, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Marinduque, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, Batangas, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora.
Moderate to heavy rainfall may also affect Leyte, Masbate, Eastern Samar, Samar, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Romblon, Biliran, and Quirino.