Typhoon Pepito weakens to severe tropical storm, exits PAR soon

Typhoon Pepito, internationally known as Man-Yi, has weakened into a severe tropical storm and is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility this afternoon.

As of Monday noon, the storm was located 270 km west of Batac, Ilocos Norte, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kph and gustiness of up to 135 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 remains in effect over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, western Pangasinan, and western Abra, expecting strong winds.

Moderate to heavy rains could lash Batanes, with possible landslides in highly susceptible areas.

Residents in coastal areas of northern Luzon could still experience rough seas, posing risks for all types of vessels.

The storm is moving west northwestward and could continue to weaken over the West Philippine Sea.

Pepito made landfall twice as a super typhoon, first in Panganiban, Catanduanes, then in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The typhoon on Sunday knocked down power, tore rickety houses, forced thousands to flee, wiped crops, and left at least one dead in Camarines Norte.