Tropical Storm Usagi enters PAR, heavy rain in North Luzon

Tropical Storm Usagi, locally named Ofel, has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is set to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Northern Luzon from Wednesday, November 13, until Saturday, November 16.

PAGASA warns that regardless of the exact location where Ofel makes landfall on Thursday afternoon along the eastern coast of Cagayan or Isabela, hazards such as heavy rainfall, severe winds, and possible storm surges may still impact areas outside the forecast confidence cone in Northern Luzon.

Signal No. 1 might be raised for parts of Cagayan Valley late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning to allow for preparations.

PAGASA has issued a heavy rainfall outlook warning moderate to heavy rains in Cagayan and Isabela from Wednesday noon to Thursday noon, with amounts ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters (mm), leading to localized flooding in urban areas, low-lying regions, and places near rivers.

Pagasa cautioned that intense to torrential rains could lead to widespread severe flooding and landslides, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance across these regions.