PAGASA SAYS

Ulysses may intensify into typhoon before possible landfall over Bicol-Quezon area

Tropical Depression Ulysses may intensify into a typhoon before its possible landfall over the area of Bicol Region and Quezon province on Wednesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said Monday.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Ulysses may reach the tropical storm category within 24 hours while it is moving northwestward.

“Afterwards, it is forecast to turn westward and head towards the Bicol Region-Quezon area. A landfall over Bicol Region-Quezon area on Wednesday is likely at this time,” PAGASA said.

“It may reach Typhoon category on Wednesday prior to landfall,” it added.

At 10 a.m., Ulysses was located at 635 kilometers East Northeast of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte with maximum sustained winds of 55 per hour and gustiness of up to 70 km/h, moving at 40 km/h.

As of Monday morning, Ulysses has no direct effect yet to cause severe weather over any portion of the country.

According to PAGASA, the effects of Ulysses will be felt either on Tuesday or Wednesday, with winds and rainfall over the Eastern Visayas and Bicol, which recently bore the brunt of Super Typhoon Rolly.

Either on Monday evening or Tuesday morning, PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over some localities in Bicol or Eastern Visayas.

Moderate to heavy rains with at times intense rains are expected over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and Aurora due to the tail-end of a cold front.

PAGASA warned of possible flooding and rain-induced landslides during heavy and prolonged rainfall in areas prone to these hazards.

Residents in these areas are advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local authorities, and monitor updates about the weather.

Due to the combined effects of the circulation of Ulysses and the prevailing easterlies, moderate to rough seas  up to 2.5 meters  are expected  over the eastern seaboards of the country.

“Mariners of small seacrafts are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea. Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in these conditions,” PAGASA said.   —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News