Signal No. 2 issued for Batanes as storm Ofel weakens over Luzon Strait
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been issued for Batanes as the storm Ofel has weakened to a severe tropical storm over the Luzon Strait. PAGASA reported this change on Friday morning. Signal No. 1 is now in effect for parts of northern Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, northern Apayao, and northern Ilocos Norte. Ofel is currently located 215 kilometers northwest of Calayan, moving north northwest at 20 kilometers per hour. Ofel is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility later today but may re-enter. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 135 kilometers per hour.