By Kenneth Marcos 
The winds howled through La Union before dawn on Monday, bending trees and knocking out power in several towns as Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) moved slowly across Northern Luzon. Despite weakening slightly, the typhoon remains powerful, bringing strong winds, heavy rains, and dangerous coastal flooding across several regions.
As of 4:00 a.m., the center of Uwan’s eye was located over the coastal waters of Bacnotan, La Union, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The typhoon packed maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching 230 km/h, moving west-northwest at 25 km/h.
Typhoon Signals Raised Across Luzon
Signal No. 4 remains hoisted over several areas in Northern and Central Luzon, including Benguet, Pangasinan, La Union, and parts of Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, and Zambales. These areas face a “significant to severe threat” to life and property due to typhoon-force winds.
Signal No. 3 is in effect in nearby provinces such as Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and portions of Isabela, Kalinga, and Aurora, where storm-force winds pose a “moderate to significant” risk.
Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon, meanwhile, are under Signal No. 2, meaning strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected within 24 hours.
PAGASA warned that gusty conditions will also be felt across Palawan, the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao, especially in coastal and mountainous areas.
Heavy Rain and Storm Surges Expected
Residents in low-lying and coastal communities are being warned against life-threatening storm surges that could reach more than 3 meters high. Areas at high risk include the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and parts of MIMAROPA and Bicol.
PAGASA urged families living near the shorelines of Pangasinan, La Union, and Zambales to move to higher ground, as flooding and large waves could occur without warning.
Meanwhile, sea travel remains dangerous across nearly all coastal waters of Luzon and parts of Visayas. Waves of up to 12 meters were recorded along the coast of Pangasinan and La Union. Small vessels and motorbancas are advised not to venture out to sea.
Public Advised to Remain Alert
Disaster risk reduction teams in affected provinces have been placed on full alert. Local governments in areas under Signal No. 3 and 4 have started preemptive evacuations, especially in landslide-prone communities and coastal barangays.
PAGASA reminded the public not to focus on the typhoon’s center, as heavy rain, floods, and strong winds can still occur far from its track. Uwan is expected to continue moving northwest over the West Philippine Sea, possibly regaining strength before heading toward Taiwan by Thursday.
The weather bureau also said that although Uwan has weakened, its wide circulation—extending up to 780 kilometers from the center—means its effects will continue to be felt across a large part of Luzon and the Visayas.
The next weather bulletin from PAGASA will be released at 8:00 a.m. today.
Residents are advised to stay indoors, monitor updates from authorities, and follow evacuation orders when necessary. Safety should remain the top priority as strong winds and heavy rains persist in the coming hours.
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