The Severe Tropical Storm Ulysses can be compared to typhoon Quinta, which hit southern Luzon last month, the PAGASA state weather bureau said Tuesday.
According to PAGASA weather forecaster Ariel Rojas, typhoon Ulysses will affect Quezon province and the Bicol region, areas devastated on November 1 by Rolly, the strongest typhoon in the world this year.
There is a high-pressure area that allegedly pushes Ulysses in the direction it is heading now.
It is possible that Ulysses was carrying heavy rains and can be compared to Quinta, which left a billion pesos worth of damage and killed at least 23 people.
It is also possible that the wind carried by Ulysses reached from 140 to 155 kilometers, enough to raise Signal No. 3 in their area.
Extensive flooding is needed to monitor Calabarzon, as well as lahar in Albay.
“Ang ating nakikita sa forecast, may close approach sa northern part ng Catanduanes. Mas maraming nasiraan ng bahay doon… maliban sa malalakas na hangin, mababasa ‘yong mga kababayan natin,” said Rojas, who grew up in Bato town, Catanduanes.
Ulysses is expected to approach Catanduanes or Camarines Norte on Wednesday and landfall in Quezon province on Thursday morning, the PAGASA bulletin said.
Pagasa: Severe Tropical Storm Ulysses similar to Quinta
Ulysses allegedly affected the entry of relief goods into Catanduanes, which was one of Rolly’s most severely damaged.
Residents of Catanduanes have pulled their boats off the coast in preparation for the upcoming storm.
Residents who have lost their homes stayed with neighbors who have strong house structures.
The Philippine Coast Guard has strongly warned fishers in Catanduanes not to go to sea due to Ulysses’ threat, causing a storm surge.
But there are still some who are not stopped from fishing this Tuesday because they have nothing to eat.
“Kahit walang pagbenta, kahit pang-ulam na lang,” said fisherman Albert Busar.
Pagasa reported on its 8 pm severe weather bulletin that Ulysses intensified into Severe Tropical Storm, placing areas in Quezon under signal no. 2.
At 7:00 PM today, the center of Severe Tropical Storm Ulysses was estimated based on all available data at 425 km East of Daet, Camarines Norte.