Philippines: Quiel intensifies to Severe Tropical Storm November 7 /update 2

Event

Tropical Storm Quiel intensified into a Severe Tropical Storm on Thursday, November 7, in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that light to moderate rain with occasional heavy rains are expected over Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands and Apayao from Thursday into the morning (local time) of Friday, November 8. Rainfall warnings are also in effect from Thursday into Friday for Kalinga, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Bataan, Palawan, Mindoro, Antique, Iloilo, and Guimaras. Flooding and landslides are possible in the affected regions, along with associated transportation and business disruptions.

As of 11:00 (local time) on Thursday, Quiel is located at 13.4°N 117.2°E (map here) and is slowly moving east. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 95 kph (59 mph) and is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within the next 48 hours. However, PAGASA does not expect Quiel to make landfall in any part of the country. Up-to-date information on the storm can be found on the PAGASA website here.

Advice

Individuals in the Philippines are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.