A WARNING of a storm surge of as high as 3 meters whipped up by Typhoon Pepito has prompted the evacuation of coastal communities along the country's eastern seaboard.

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.

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