MANILA – Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Marce, internationally known as Yinxing, has strengthened and is nearing typhoon status, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as of Tuesday (05 Nov 2024).
The storm currently packs maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gusts reaching up to 135 kph. As of 4 a.m., Marce was situated approximately 735 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora.
PAGASA has hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over several areas, including Batanes, Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), northern and eastern Isabela, parts of Apayao, and northern Ilocos Norte. These regions can expect strong winds, although impacts are expected to be minimal to minor.
There remains a possibility that Wind Signal No. 4, the highest alert, may be issued for affected areas during Marce’s progression. Additionally, due to a northeasterly wind flow, strong to gale-force gusts will be experienced across Ilocos Sur, Aurora, Quezon, and Camarines Norte. A gale warning has also been raised over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon, making sea travel hazardous for all types of vessels.
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are forecasted over Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Quezon, and the Bicol Region, with moderate to heavy rains potentially triggering flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas.
Marce is expected to make landfall over the Babuyan Islands or the northern portion of mainland Cagayan between Thursday night and Friday, although the trajectory may shift to the Cagayan-Isabela mainland area. PAGASA forecasts that Marce will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday night or Saturday.
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