Tropical storm Karding (international name: Noru) slightly intensified on Friday afternoon, Sept. 23, as it continued to track toward Northern Luzon.

Karding’s maximum sustained winds and gustiness increased to 75 kilometers per hour (kph) and 90 kph, from 65 kph and 80 kph, respectively, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its 5 p.m. bulletin.

“This tropical cyclone is forecast to gradually intensify within the period prior to landfall over Northern Luzon. Based on the intensity forecast, it is likely to make landfall as severe tropical storm,” PAGASA said.

As of 4 p.m., the storm was at 970 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, and was moving westward at 15 kph.

“Karding is forecast to track generally westward while gradually accelerating towards the east coast of Northern Luzon or Aurora, where it is likely to make landfall on Sunday morning or afternoon (Sept. 25). After crossing the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon throughout Sunday, the tropical cyclone will continue tracking over the West Philippine Sea,” PAGASA said.

By Saturday evening through Sunday early morning, Sept. 24 to 25, Karding may bring light to heavy rains over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, and the northern portion of Aurora.

From Sunday to early Monday morning, Sept. 26, heavy to intense rains may prevail over the northern portion of Aurora, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, La Union, and Pangasinan.

Moderate to intense rains may also prevail over Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, northern portion of Zambales, and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region, while light to heavy rains may affect the rest of Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.

“Under these conditions, isolated to scattered flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities with significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA warned.

Due to the southwest monsoon or “habagat” partly influenced by Karding, occasional rains are also possible beginning Sunday over most of Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila and Visayas, especially over the western sections.

PAGASA said that tropical cyclone wind signals may be hoisted as early as Friday evening over the eastern portions of Northern and Central Luzon in anticipation of strong breeze to near gale strength winds

“Per latest track and intensity forecast, the most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is Wind Signal No. 3,” it added.