Philippines: Tropical Storm Ulysses (Vamco) forms in Philippine Sea November 9

Event

Tropical Storm Ulysses, known internationally as Vamco, formed out of a Tropical Depression in the Philippine Sea on Monday, November 9. Ulysses is currently located 575km (357mi) east of Borongan City (Eastern Samar province) and is moving northwest at 15kmh (9mph). Ulysses is currently forecast to become a Severe Tropical Storm in the next 24 hours before then strengthening further to become a Typhoon on Wednesday, November 11, prior to its landfall in the Bicol-Quezon area on Thursday, November 12. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that moderate to heavy rainfall will occur in Apayao, the Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, and Ilocos Norte regions. Strong winds are also currently predicted in Bicol or Eastern Visayas regions from Tuesday, November 10. All warnings currently relating to Ulysses can be found here.

Associated disruptions to transport, business, and utilities are possible over the coming days as the storm system passes.

Context

Tropical depressions, storms, and typhoons typically hit Eastern Visayas as well as Southern, Central, and Northern Luzon during the typhoon season between June and November. However, a number of storm systems in the past years have also affected Central and Western Visayas, as well as eastern, northern, central, and western Mindanao, and have reached the country outside the typhoon season. Local meteorologists attribute these changes to climate change. In general, approximately 19 storms and typhoons enter the country's area of responsibility every year, and PAGASA reports that at least six weather systems make a direct landfall.

These storm systems have the potential to unleash heavy downpours and powerful winds, as well as trigger a major storm surge that pose considerable hazards to human life and infrastructure. Despite a credible risk, the Philippines has inadequate preparedness and crisis response that increases the impact of storm systems on human communities, strategic infrastructure as well as travel and service delivery.

Advice

Those in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.