A tropical storm named Fung-wong is rapidly intensifying over waters east of the Philippines, threatening to become a super typhoon that could bring life-threatening conditions to the main island of Luzon within days.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts a swift escalation. Fung-wong is expected to become a severe tropical storm within 24 hours.
It is then predicted to strengthen into a typhoon by Friday, November 7, and could reach super typhoon status by Saturday, November 8.
PAGASA has warned that “severe and potentially life-threatening stormy weather” may strike northern Luzon and parts of central Luzon between Monday, November 10, and Tuesday, November 11.
The storm is projected to enter the Philippines Area of Responsibility (PAR) late Friday or early Saturday as a typhoon, at which point it will be given the local name “Uwan.”
Fung-wong, named by Hong Kong and meaning “Phoenix,” formed as a tropical depression early Thursday, November 6. By 02:00 local time (18:00 UTC Wednesday), it had intensified into a tropical storm.
As of 04:00 local time (20:00 UTC Wednesday), it was located approximately 1,715 kilometers (1,065 miles) east of northeastern Mindanao.
The storm is currently moving northwest at 20 kilometers per hour (12 miles per hour), with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
PAGASA is preparing to issue tropical storm wind signals for areas of eastern Luzon and parts of Samar as early as late Friday or early Saturday. The highest possible wind signal, Signal No. 5, would be issued if Fung-wong becomes a super typhoon.
Storm surge warnings, indicating a high risk of coastal flooding, may also be issued from early Saturday for northern Luzon and the eastern coast of central Luzon.
Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate, with moderate to rough seas developing north and east of Luzon, and east of the Visayas and Mindanao, by Friday or Saturday.
By midday Saturday or Sunday, similar conditions are anticipated for waters west and south of Luzon.
From Sunday onward, sea conditions will become dangerous for all vessels across most of Luzon and the eastern Visayas, with waves potentially reaching “very dangerous” or “abnormal” levels.
PAGASA acknowledges high uncertainty in the storm’s exact path but indicates an increasing chance of direct landfall over northern or central Luzon by Monday. The agency advises the public to continuously monitor updates as forecasts may change.