Tropical Storm Son-Tinh (Ofel) Update #5

Tropical Storm Son-Tinh (Bagyong Ofel) continues to move across the Visayas Islands this morning. The storm was last located approximately 120km north northwest of Iloilo City and is currently crossing the Romblon Islands; it may approach Mindoro in the next 2 hours. Maximum sustained winds are now at 75kph with gusts of up to 95kph. TS Son-Tinh (Ofel) is moving west northwestward at 20kph.

As of 5am this morning, PAGASA has raised Public Storm Warning Signal #2 for Masbate, Ticao Islands, Romblon, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island, Marinduque, Batangas, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Capiz, Guimaras, and Northern part of Negros Occidental. Signal #1 for Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Southern part of Quezon Province, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Burias Island, Calamian Group of Island, Cuyo Island, Leyte Provinces, Samar Provinces, Cebu, Camotes Island, Rest of Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental.

Provinces under Signal #2 should expect winds of up to 100kph in the next 12 to 24 hours while areas under  Signal #1 could be subject to winds of up to 60kph in the next 24 to 48 hours. All areas mentioned above will also experience widespread rains today and are urged to coordinate with the local officials for any evacuation orders, school cancellations, or other warnings for their respective areas.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows deep convective activity moving across Central Philippines today. The storm's center is currently passing over Romblon Islands and may move to Mindoro Island in the next one to two hours. TS Son-Tinh (Ofel) has slightly intensified overnight based on ground reports although satellite appearance have not drastically improved. Continuous interaction with the islands will limit intensification for at least 12 hours before the open waters of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) provides a better environment for strengthening.

Rains will continue to impact much of the Philippines today especially in Western and Central Visayas Regions where as much as 150mm of rain are possible. Furthermore, outer rain bands may also impact Central and Southern Luzon today with rains of up to 50mm also possible. Palawan and Western Mindanao may also get sporadic heavy rains throughout today. For the latest radar images and rainfall forecasts for your area, please visit PAGASA's Project NOAH by clicking HERE

We'll have another update later this afternoon. Stay safe!
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Issued (2330 UTC) 730am PhT 102512