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

The state weather bureau said that Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (international name: Man-yi) had further intensified and was nearing typhoon status early Friday morning. Pepito “is forecast to intensify into a typhoon within the next 12 hours” and gain more strength to become a super typhoon by Saturday evening,

Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi) will continue to undergo rapid intensification until Saturday, November 16, and could strengthen into a super typhoon

Severe Tropical Storm ‘Pepito’ (international name: Man-Yi) intensifies into a typhoon as it undergoes rapid intensification, the state weather bureau

Typhoon Ofel (international name: Usagi) weakened sharply on Friday after bearing down on the Philippines' northern towns, blowing away houses in its path as authorities brace for another cyclone that could hit the capital Manila over the weekend.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Thursday, Nov. 14 that Severe Tropical Storm “Pepito” (international name: Man-yi) could intensify into a super typhoon before making landfall over Central Luzon this weekend.