Western Visayas braces for possible impact of strong winds and heavy rainfall brought about by Typhoon “Pepito” (international name: Man-Yi) spotted 465 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (11.1°N, 130.0°E), based on PAGASA advisory at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024

“I-expect nating pinaka-una dito is northern portion ng Panay. So, isa na diyan ang northern portion of Antique, ang Province of Aklan, Province of Capiz, and northern part of Iloilo at probably, maliit na part ng northern part ng Negros Occidental,” Jeff Maquiling, weather forecaster of PAGASA Iloilo, said.

According to PAGASA Iloilo, #PepitoPH has intensified into a typhoon after it was reported as a severe tropical storm when it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) evening on November 14, 2024.

#PepitoPH has accelerated toward Bicol Region and Southern Luzon. While it is expected to intensify rapidly into a super typhoon, it is seen to weaken into a typhoon the moment it makes a landfall.

“I-expect natin na lalakas si Pepito at i-expect natin na since magiging super typhoon category siya, may mga matataas na wind signal like Wind Signal No. 5. Hindi natin niru-rule out kasi marami pang pwedeng mangyari,” Maquiling added.

While its track tends to move away from Western Visayas, #PepitoPH is expected to affect the region because of its strength.

Further, PAGASA called on residents in coastal, low-lying, and landslide-prone areas to be vigilant, and to monitor announcements of their respective local government units on either a preemptive or a forced evacuation.