MANILA — Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) continues to maintain its strength as it accelerates over the sea west of northern Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of 5 AM on Friday, the storm’s eye was located approximately 125 kilometers west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union. It is projected to move west northwestward to westward over the next 48 hours, exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this afternoon.

“In the extended outlook, a scenario is developing where Kristine may loop back into the West Philippine Sea on Sunday and Monday, potentially moving eastward towards PAR. However, this depends significantly on the movement of another tropical cyclone located east of the PAR,” PAGASA stated in its bulletin.

Kristine is expected to undergo a brief period of intensification as it traverses the West Philippine Sea. While it is likely to remain a severe tropical storm over the next five days, PAGASA has not ruled out the possibility of it strengthening into a typhoon.

Additionally, PAGASA reported that a tropical depression, known as 10d, remains outside the PAR as of early Friday morning. “A Tropical Cyclone Advisory will be issued once 10d enters the longitude of 145°E,” the bureau announced.

Another Low-Pressure Area (LPA), designated 10e, is being monitored within PAGASA’s domain. However, the potential for 10e to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours remains low.

Rainfall and Flooding Outlook

On Friday (25 Oct 2024), moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan, raising the risk of flooding and rain-induced landslides in vulnerable areas.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS)

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is in effect for the following areas:

Luzon: Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, northern portions of Cavite and Rizal, and the northern mainland of Quezon.

TCWS No. 1 is hoisted over several other regions, including Batanes, southern portions of Luzon, and parts of Visayas such as Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and Northern Samar.

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