Uwan Weakens to Severe Tropical Storm Outside PAR, Northern Luzon Remains at Risk
Former typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) has weakened into a severe tropical storm outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, but continues to pose threats to communities across Northern Luzon, particularly in our mountainous provinces where landslides have already claimed lives.
As of Tuesday morning, November 11, Uwan's maximum sustained winds decreased from 120 kilometers per hour to 110 km/h, with gusts now reaching 135 km/h, down from the previous 150 km/h. The storm exited PAR at 1:30 am but remains large enough to affect significant portions of Luzon.
Ongoing Risks for Rural Communities
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns that moderate to heavy rainfall of 50-100 millimeters may persist across Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and Benguet. These conditions particularly concern our rural barangays in mountainous areas, where the terrain makes communities vulnerable to landslides and flooding.
Tragically, most of the 18 fatalities recorded so far resulted from landslides, according to the Office of Civil Defense. This underscores the particular vulnerability of our upland communities during severe weather events.
Wind Signals and Maritime Warnings Remain
Despite Uwan's exit from PAR, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains in effect for several areas experiencing gale-force winds of 62 to 88 km/h, posing minor to moderate threats to life and property. Signal No. 1 continues for regions facing strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h.
Our fishing communities and maritime operators should note that very rough to high seas persist along affected seaboards, making travel risky for all vessels. Small boats should remain in port, particularly those serving our island barangays.
Storm's Projected Path and Potential Return
Following a recurving path, Uwan is expected to move generally northward before potentially reentering PAR on Wednesday evening, November 12. The storm may then make landfall in Taiwan, which falls within our area of responsibility.
Weather forecasters expect continued weakening, especially after any Taiwan landfall, with Uwan possibly becoming just a remnant low by Friday, November 14.
Record-Breaking Storm Season
Uwan marks the Philippines' 21st tropical cyclone for 2025 and the second for November. The storm initially entered PAR last Friday evening, November 7, less than 48 hours after Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) exited, highlighting the intense weather pattern affecting our archipelago.
When Uwan made landfall in Dinalungan, Aurora, at 9:10 pm on Sunday, November 9, it carried maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h as a super typhoon. The storm's intensity peaked before weakening while crossing Northern Luzon's mountainous terrain.
PAGASA expects two or three tropical cyclones to form within or enter PAR during November, indicating continued vigilance is necessary for our coastal and rural communities as we navigate the remainder of the typhoon season.