The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday, November 8, warned of widespread heavy rainfall and life-threatening storm surges as Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) continues to move closer to the country’s eastern seaboard.

As of 3 a.m., the center of Typhoon Uwan was located 1,020 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 160 kilometers per hour while moving west-northwestward at 25 kph.

PAGASA’s Weather Advisory No. 5, issued at 5 a.m., projected intense rainfall across several regions over the weekend.

On November 8, rainfall amounts of 50 to 100 millimeters are expected in Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Catanduanes.

By November 9, heavier rains exceeding 200 millimeters are forecast in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Aurora. Rainfall between 100 and 200 millimeters is likely in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar. Meanwhile, 50 to 100 millimeters of rain may be experienced across Metro Manila and much of Luzon and the Visayas.

On Monday, November 10, more than 200 millimeters of rain are expected in Aurora, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and the Ilocos Region, with 100 to 200 millimeters anticipated across Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon.

“Forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas. Moreover, impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA said.

In Storm Surge Warning No. 2, PAGASA warned of a high risk of life-threatening inundation along low-lying coastal areas.

“A high risk of life-threatening storm surge may occur within the next 48 hours,” PAGASA said in its warning issued at 2 a.m. “There is a possibility of inundation from rising sea water along with high waves in low-lying coastal communities,” it added.

Storm surges exceeding 3 meters are expected in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Quezon.

In Albay, Aurora, Isabela, and Sorsogon, surge heights may reach 2.1 to 3 meters, while Northern Samar and Eastern Samar could experience surges of 1 to 2 meters.

Residents in coastal communities are urged to move to higher ground, avoid beaches and shorelines, and suspend all marine activities.

In its 24-hour public weather forecast issued at 4 a.m., PAGASA said “Uwan” will continue to bring stormy conditions over parts of Bicol and Eastern Visayas, with threats of flash floods, landslides, and typhoon-force winds in several provinces.

According to PAGASA’s latest update, Catanduanes, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar will experience stormy weather due to “Uwan,” with moderate to heavy rains that may become intense at times. These areas face a minor to extreme threat to life and property because of strong to typhoon-force winds.

Meanwhile, Central Visayas, the rest of the Bicol Region, the rest of Eastern Visayas, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte are forecast to experience rains with gusty winds also associated with “Uwan.” These areas may encounter moderate to heavy rains and strong to gale-force winds, posing minimal to minor threats such as localized flooding or landslides.

In Batanes, cloudy skies with rain will prevail due to the northeast monsoon (amihan), which may still bring moderate to heavy rainfall that could trigger flooding or landslides in vulnerable areas.

Across Metro Manila and the rest of the Philippines, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected as “Uwan” continues to influence the national weather pattern. PAGASA cautioned that these rains could still cause flash floods or landslides, particularly in low-lying or mountainous areas.

PAGASA also noted that moderate to strong winds from the northeast to northwest will prevail across the country, with moderate to rough coastal waters reaching 1.5 to 2.8 meters.

Fisherfolk and those with small sea vessels are advised to avoid venturing into rough seas.

PAGASA urged the public and local disaster response units to remain vigilant and to monitor official weather advisories and tropical cyclone bulletins as “Uwan” moves closer to Luzon.

Residents in high-risk areas are advised to prepare for possible evacuation, secure emergency supplies, and stay tuned to updates from local authorities and media outlets.

Regional PAGASA offices are expected to issue localized Heavy Rainfall Warnings and Thunderstorm Advisories throughout the day.

The state weather bureau reminded the public that while a Weather Advisory provides a 24-hour broad outlook, Heavy Rainfall Warnings are more location-specific and should guide decisions on class suspensions and emergency responses. 

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