The state weather bureau on Monday said it is monitoring a tropical cyclone that may develop into a super typhoon outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) but enter it by Friday.
In its latest public weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the cyclone — international name “Mawar” — was last seen 2,330 km east of Mindanao.
The typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gusts of up to 160 kph. It is moving west-northwestward at 15 kph.
Once inside, it will be given the local name “Betty” and is forecast to enhance the southwest monsoon, the bureau said.
Weather forecaster Anna Clauren-Jorda said there is a low probability of the cyclone making landfall in the Philippines.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday advised Filipinos to prepare for the tropical storm that could enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility late this week and possibly develop into a super typhoon.
In an advisory, the DOH said that its Health Emergency Management Bureau Operation Center is monitoring the possible effects of Typhoon Mawar in the country.
“In anticipation of the progress of this Tropical Storm, the DOH advises the public to prepare and report any untoward incident that may later be related to this weather disturbance,” the agency said.
The DOH also encouraged the public to contact their respective local disaster and emergency risk team for assistance in case of emergency.
As part of preparations for the incoming storm, the DOH advised the public to prepare an emergency go bag that includes ready-to-eat food, clothes, first aid kit, tools, sleeping bags, and COVID-19 protection kit, among others.
The public was also urged to prepare their homes for possible flooding; understand signs of an emergency; and get ready in case evacuation is necessary.
Most parts of the country will continue to experience rain showers due to the southwesterly wind flow and localized thunderstorms on Tuesday, the bureau added.
The southwesterly wind flow will cause scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique. These areas may experience flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains, PAGASA said.
“Other parts of the country will have warm weather with high chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms,” Obet Badrina of PAGASA said, adding that the rain showers are likely in the afternoon or evening.
Flash floods or landslides are possible during severe thunderstorms.
Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas also continue to prevail across the archipelago.