Typhoon Samuel entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 8:40 a.m. on Monday, November 9, after international storm Cempaka crossed into the country’s monitoring domain, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The entry of the cyclone into PAR prompted PAGASA to begin issuing regular tropical cyclone bulletins and weather advisories to keep the public informed of any potential impact on the country.
As of the latest advisory, the center of Typhoon Samuel was located approximately 1,370 kilometers east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon while moving north-northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour.
The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour.
Despite its presence inside PAR, PAGASA said the cyclone is unlikely to directly affect the country’s weather throughout the forecast period and is not expected to make landfall in any part of the Philippines.
Weather forecasters noted, however, that even distant tropical cyclones can indirectly influence local weather by enhancing the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as Amihan, or by drawing moisture through their troughs.
As a result, rains and strong winds may continue to affect large parts of Luzon and 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 through Wednesday, November 11.
PAGASA also warned that the enhanced Amihan could generate moderate to rough seas over several coastal waters, particularly in Northern and Central Luzon, with gale warnings likely for some northern seaboards.
According to PAGASA, Typhoon Samuel is expected to remain far from the Philippine landmass and may exit the northeastern boundary of PAR by Monday evening or early Tuesday after only a brief stay within the country’s monitoring area.
Weather reports from Inquirer, GMA News, and ABS-CBN News indicated that while Samuel poses no direct threat to the country, its interaction with the Northeast Monsoon could still contribute to rough sea conditions and gusty winds, especially over northern coastal areas.
Forecasters likewise expect the typhoon to continue strengthening in the short term before gradually weakening as it moves northeastward over the Philippine Sea and away from the country’s area of responsibility.