Typhoon Pepito has rapidly intensified and is poised to reach the super typhoon category over the weekend, state meteorologists said on Friday. As of 11:00 p.m., Pepito

Cyclone Pepito may reach super typhoon category with its rapid intensification over the eastern seaboard of the country as it is expected to traverse Southern Luzon tonight, according to the Philippine Atmospheric,

Pepito (Man-Yi) reached typhoon strength following “rapid intensification,” while Ofel (Usagi) weakened into a severe tropical storm on Friday morning, PAGASA reported.

Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (international name: Man-yi) further intensified and was nearing typhoon status early Friday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical

Hundreds of people fled Friday as Typhoon ‘Pepito’ (Man-Yi) bore down on the Philippines, threatening yet more destruction even

Ofel was last located 205 kilometers west-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, moving north-northwestward at 15 kph. The cyclone is also carrying maximum sustained winds of 100 kph and gusts of up to 125 kph.

State weather bureau PAGASA on Friday warned of possible storm surge in areas on the path of Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi). In its 8 p.m. Friday Storm Surge Warning, PAGASA said moderate to high risk of storm surge may occur in the following areas within 48 hours.

Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (international name: Man-yi) gathered more strength and is now a typhoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).