Photo credit: DOST_Pagasa

Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-Wong) has intensified rapidly in just 24 hours, prompting weather officials to raise tropical cyclone wind signals across multiple regions as it barrels closer to Eastern Visayas.

According to PAGASA’s 11:00 AM advisory, Uwan was last spotted 680 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts reaching up to 170 kph. The typhoon is moving westward at 35 kph, a pace that could bring it dangerously close to Catanduanes by Sunday morning (November 9).

Rapid Intensification and Forecast Track

Forecasters warn that Uwan is strengthening faster than expected and could reach super typhoon category by tonight or early Sunday. PAGASA said it may make landfall over southern Isabela or northern Aurora by Sunday night or early Monday, potentially at peak intensity.

There’s also a chance the typhoon could shift slightly south, which might lead to a direct hit on Catanduanes even before landfall. After crossing Northern Luzon’s rugged terrain, Uwan is expected to exit toward the Lingayen Gulf or West Philippine Sea by Monday afternoon.

Areas Under Wind Signals

As of this morning, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is raised over Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Ticao Island, Northern Samar, and parts of Camarines Sur and Eastern Samar — where residents should brace for gale-force winds (62–88 kph) within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is hoisted in a wide swath of Luzon and Visayas, including Metro Manila, Bicol, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Northern Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, and Dinagat Islands. These areas could feel strong winds (39–61 kph) within 36 hours.

PAGASA said higher wind signals — possibly up to Signal No. 5 — may be raised as the typhoon continues to intensify.

Heavy Rains and Storm Surge Threat

The weather bureau warned of heavy rainfall and life-threatening storm surges over several coastal provinces. In the next 48 hours, storm surge heights may exceed 3 meters (around 10 feet) in low-lying coastal areas of Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Region, Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Batangas, Quezon, Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and parts of Mindanao, including Dinagat and Siargao Islands.

“Residents in coastal and flood-prone areas are strongly advised to move to higher ground or evacuation centers,” PAGASA said.

Dangerous Seas: “Stay in Port”

The seas around much of Luzon and Visayas are expected to be very rough to extremely rough, with waves reaching up to 14 meters in some eastern seaboards.
PAGASA reiterated that sea travel is risky for all types of vessels, especially small boats and motorbancas. Fisherfolk are advised to stay ashore until the weather improves.

What to Expect

• Today–Tomorrow (Nov 8–9): Gusty winds and intermittent heavy rain over Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan
• Monday (Nov 10): Widespread rains and destructive winds expected over Luzon and Visayas, especially in Bicol, Aurora, Isabela, and Cagayan
• Post-Landfall: Uwan may weaken slightly but will likely remain a typhoon as it crosses Northern Luzon.

Preparedness Urged

Authorities have called on local disaster offices to activate contingency plans, conduct pre-emptive evacuations, and ensure emergency supplies are ready.

“Everyone must take this seriously. Even areas not under direct landfall may experience strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding,” PAGASA said.