Severe Tropical Storm Bebinca has intensified while still situated outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), bringing significant meteorological implications for the region.
On Wednesday evening, September 11, Bebinca evolved from a tropical storm into a severe tropical storm, as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). This intensification increased its maximum sustained winds to 95 kilometers per hour from the previous 85 km/h, along with gustiness reaching up to 115 km/h. PAGASA’s 11 pm advisory also indicated that Bebinca has the potential to further intensify into a typhoon by Thursday evening, September 12.
As of 10 pm on Wednesday, Bebinca was located 1,755 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon or 2,010 kilometers east of Central Luzon, moving west northwest at a speed of 25 km/h. According to PAGASA, Bebinca is projected to enter PAR as a typhoon on Friday afternoon or evening, September 13, where it will acquire the local name Ferdie. It is expected to stay within PAR for less than a day, primarily passing over waters near the northeastern boundary before exiting on Saturday morning, September 14. Consequently, the storm is expected to remain distant from the Philippine landmass.
However, PAGASA has warned that the trough or extension of the severe tropical storm, combined with the southwest monsoon or habagat, will trigger substantial rainfall beginning Thursday. Areas at risk on September 12 include Masbate, Eastern Visayas, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and South Cotabato, which are expected to experience moderate to heavy rain totaling 50-100 millimeters.
Furthermore, on September 13, regions such as Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Antique, and Negros Occidental may face heavy to intense rainfall ranging from 100-200 millimeters. Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, the rest of Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur are also anticipated to receive moderate to heavy rain of 50-100 millimeters. By September 14, heavy to intense rain (100-200 mm) is predicted for Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Antique, while Batangas, the rest of Mimaropa, the rest of Western Visayas, and the Negros Island Region will experience moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm).
PAGASA emphasized that these rainfall projections and affected areas may change depending on potential alterations in the track and intensity forecast of Bebinca. They also cautioned that floods and landslides are plausible in areas impacted by the storm’s trough and the southwest monsoon. Additionally, due to the southwest monsoon, up to moderate sea conditions are expected on Thursday in the western seaboard of Palawan, including the Kalayaan Islands, with wave heights between 1 to 2.5 meters, as well as the eastern seaboards of southern Palawan and Mindanao, experiencing wave heights from 1 to 3 meters. Small vessels are advised to take precautionary measures or avoid sailing in the affected seaboards.
Given the severe tropical storm Bebinca’s ongoing intensification and its anticipated impact, thorough preparation and adherence to PAGASA’s advisories are crucial for ensuring safety and mitigating potential hazards.
Source: Rappler