Tropical depression outside PAR intensifies into Tropical Storm Fung-wong

Tropical Storm Fung-wong, previously a tropical depression situated outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), has intensified as of early Thursday morning, November 6, 2025. The storm, named Fung-wong—which translates to "phoenix" and was contributed by Hong Kong—was last recorded approximately 1,715 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao at 4 a.m. It is moving northwest at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. Over the past hours, its maximum sustained winds have increased from 55 km/h to 65 km/h, with gusts now reaching up to 80 km/h, up from 70 km/h. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Fung-wong is expected to rapidly intensify over the next 24 hours. Forecasts indicate it may evolve into a severe tropical storm within a day and escalate to a typhoon by Friday, November 7. By Saturday, November 8, it could become a super typhoon, posing a significant threat as it approaches the PAR. PAGASA projects that the storm will enter the PAR late Friday night or early Saturday morning, at which point it will be locally named "Uwan." While there’s still considerable uncertainty in the exact path and strength of Fung-wong/Uwan, PAGASA has noted a rising likelihood that the storm could make landfall in Northern or Central Luzon around Monday, November 10. In preparation, the weather bureau may begin issuing tropical cyclone wind signals as early as Friday evening or Saturday morning, especially for Eastern Luzon and parts of Samar Island. If Fung-wong develops into a super typhoon, the highest warning, Signal No. 5, could be raised, indicating extremely hazardous winds. Residents are cautioned that weather conditions could start to worsen by Sunday, November 9. By Monday and Tuesday (November 10–11), potentially life-threatening storm conditions are anticipated over Northern and Central Luzon. Aside from strong winds, PAGASA may also issue storm surge warnings starting Saturday due to the high risk of coastal flooding along Northern Luzon and the eastern coast of Central Luzon. Sea conditions are also expected to deteriorate, with moderate to rough seas forecasted along the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon, as well as the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao, by Friday or Saturday. The western and southern coasts of Luzon might experience similar rough conditions by mid-Saturday or Sunday. Starting Sunday, the seas will become hazardous for vessels across most of Luzon and the eastern Visayan seaboard, with waves reaching very rough to phenomenal levels. Given the evolving situation, PAGASA strongly urges the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts and advisories. Since tropical cyclone paths and intensities can shift unexpectedly, vigilance remains crucial to ensure safety and preparedness.