Typhoon Verbena exits PAR, 2 missing, over 275k affected

Typhoon Verbena, now internationally known as Koto, has intensified with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h and gusts of up to 170 km/h.

It officially exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday, November 27, and was last spotted moving west-northwestward at 15 km/h.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over the Kalayaan Islands, which could experience wind speeds of up to 61 kph.

Despite leaving PAR, Verbena and the northeast monsoon are expected to create gusty conditions in several northern and western Luzon provinces, as well as Palawan and Occidental Mindoro.

A gale warning is in effect for the Northern Luzon and Southern Luzon western seaboards, with significant wave heights predicted for various coastal areas.

Two people remain missing in the Negros Island Region due to the typhoon and the shearline.

A total of 275,458 individuals or 78,736 families were affected by the severe weather in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, and Caraga.