MANILA – Tropical Storm “Nika” (international name: Toraji) has intensified into a severe tropical storm, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday (10 Nov 2024).
The storm is undergoing rapid intensification and is forecast to make landfall over Isabela or Aurora on Monday afternoon.
As of PAGASA’s 5 a.m. bulletin, Nika was located 690 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon, with maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h and gusts reaching up to 125 km/h.
It is moving west-northwest at 30 km/h.
Wind Signals and Affected Areas
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been raised for the southeastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue) and northern Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan). Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is in effect for the southern part of Cagayan, parts of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, Ifugao, and other provinces across Luzon, including portions of Quezon, Camarines Norte, and Albay.
The storm is expected to continue strengthening until it reaches land, potentially reaching typhoon strength before making landfall.
PAGASA warns of potential hazards in areas outside the direct landfall zone, as conditions may worsen across a wide area.
Moderate to heavy rains
Moderate to heavy rains are expected over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur, with the northeasterly wind flow causing strong to gale-force gusts over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and northern Cagayan. A brief weakening of the storm is expected as it moves over Luzon’s landmass, but it may regain strength over the West Philippine Sea and maintain severe tropical storm intensity.
PAGASA emphasized that TCWS No. 4 could be issued in the coming hours if Nika’s strength increases further.
The public is urged to stay updated on the latest weather advisories as the storm progresses toward landfall.
ia/mnm
