Tropical storm Neneng (international name: Nesat) may further intensify into a severe tropical storm within 24 hours, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Based on PAGASA’s latest forecast track, Neneng is expected to move westward over the Luzon Strait on Saturday evening, Oct. 15 through Monday, Oct. 17 and may pass very close or make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands or Batanes on Saturday or Sunday morning, Oct. 16.
“Neneng may reach severe tropical storm category within 24 hours following its passage over the Luzon Strait, although the possibility of intensification into STS during the passage near or over the Batanes-Babuyan Islands area is not ruled out,” said PAGASA.
The weather disturbance maintained its maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It was last spotted 140 kilometers (km) east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan or 145 km east southeast of Calayan, Cagayan.
Meanwhile, wind signals were hoisted as Neneng continues to threaten parts of Luzon, particularly its northern and extreme parts.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is still raised over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, the northern portion of Abra, and Ilocos Norte. Areas under Signal No. 1, on the other hand, include the northern and central portions of Isabela, Kalinga, the rest of Abra, Mountain Province, the northern portion of Ifugao, and the northern and central portions of Ilocos Sur.
As Neneng continues to traverse the Philippine sea and moves closer to the country’s landmass, strong winds and heavy to at times intense rains may persist in several parts of Luzon until Sunday evening.
“Until tomorrow morning, heavy to intense with at times torrential rains are likely over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Ilocos Norte. Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains are likely over the northern portion of Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, Mt. Province, and the northern portion of Isabela,” said PAGASA.