TYPHOON Tino has slightly weakened as it traverses the Negros Island Region, but continues to pose a significant threat to Western Visayas, with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 in effect for several areas, according to the latest bulletin from PAGASA issued at 10:00 AM today.
As of 10:00 AM, the center of the eye of Typhoon Tino was estimated to be in the vicinity of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental (10.6°N, 122.9°E). The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the center, with gustiness of up to 195 km/h and a central pressure of 965 hPa. It is moving westward at 25 km/h. Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 300 km from the center.
TCWS No. 4 is in effect for Cuyo Islands, the northernmost portion of Negros Oriental, the northern portion of Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Capiz, Iloilo, the central and southern portions of Antique, and the southern portion of Aklan. These areas are expected to experience typhoon-force winds, posing a significant to severe threat to life and property.
PAGASA warns of a high risk of life-threatening and damaging storm surge with peak heights exceeding 3.0 m within the next 24 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal communities of Masbate, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Camiguin.
Tino is forecast to continue traversing Western Visayas and northern Palawan until it emerges over the West Philippine Sea by tomorrow morning. While the typhoon has slightly weakened due to interaction with the terrain, it is expected to remain at typhoon category throughout its passage over the country and is forecast to re-intensify over the West Philippine Sea.
The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
