Typhoon Ofel weakens as it approaches Philippine area of responsibility
Typhoon Ofel, also known as Usagi, has weakened while moving through the Babuyan Islands. As of Thursday night, it was located near Calayan, Cagayan, with maximum winds of 130 kph and gusts up to 200 kph. The Philippine weather bureau, Pagasa, expects Ofel to re-enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday. The typhoon is predicted to continue weakening due to land friction and unfavorable conditions in the surrounding waters. Pagasa has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals in certain areas due to the storm's potential impact. Ofel may make a second landfall near the Babuyan Islands before moving toward Taiwan.