Typhoon Samuel enters PAR, no direct impact seen on PH

Typhoon Samuel entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but is unlikely to directly affect weather conditions in the country or make landfall in the Philippines, the state weather bureau said, as of 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 9.

According to the Tropical Bulletin No. 1 of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the typhoon's center was located 1,370 km east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon, moving north-northwest at 20 kph.

Samuel had maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts of up to 150 kph as of 10 a.m., while strong to typhoon-force winds extended up to 300 km from its center.

PAGASA said Samuel is less likely to directly affect the country's weather throughout the forecast period. However, the typhoon may enhance the northeast monsoon, bringing strong winds over most of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Sarangani. Samuel is expected to intensify further and reach peak strength by late Monday or early Tuesday before leaving PAR, according to a Philippine News Agency report citing PAGASA.

The weather bureau advised residents in affected areas to remain alert, take precautionary measures and monitor official weather bulletins for updates.