Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 was hoisted over parts of Isabela and Aurora on Sunday evening, Nov. 10, as Severe Tropical Storm “Nika” (international name: Toraji) advanced closer to northern and central Luzon.

In its 8 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Nika was located 335 kilometers east-northeast of Infanta, Quezon, or 330 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora.

The severe tropical storm has maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts reaching 135 kph. It will be upgraded to a typhoon by late Sunday once its wind speed reaches between 118 and 184 kph.

Nika has slightly decelerated, now moving at 15 kph west-northwest, and is expected to make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora by Monday morning or early afternoon, Nov. 11.

Despite the landfall forecast, PAGASA emphasized that hazardous conditions may extend to areas outside the projected landfall point.

PAGASA said Nika will traverse mainland northern Luzon before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by Monday evening.

The storm will continue west-northwestward over the sea, exiting the Philippine area of responsibility by Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12.

Strong winds, heavy rains

In preparation for the approaching storm, Signal No. 3 has been raised over the southeastern part of Isabela (Dinapigue, Palanan) and northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan).

Signal No. 2 has also been raised over the southern portion of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Solsona, Dingras, Marcos, Banna, City of Batac, Pinili, Paoay, Currimao, Badoc, Carasi, Piddig, Sarrat, San Nicolas, Laoag City), Ilocos Sur, La Union, northeastern portion of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin, Sison, San Manuel, Umingan, Tayug), central portion of Aurora (Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler), southern portion of mainland Cagayan (Solana, Iguig, Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Baggao, Alcala, Amulung, Santo Niño, Rizal, Piat, Tuao, Gattaran, Lasam), the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, southern portion of Apayao (Kabugao, Conner, Flora, Pudtol, Calanasan), Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, and northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Pantabangan, Lupao, San Jose City).

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is up over the rest of Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), the rest of Apayao, the rest of Ilocos Norte, the rest of Pangasinan, the rest of Aurora, Tarlac, northern and central portions of Zambales (Santa Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, Palauig, Iba, Botolan, Cabangan, San Marcelino, San Felipe, San Narciso), the rest of Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, eastern portion of Laguna (Santa Maria, Mabitac, Pakil, Pangil, Famy, Siniloan, Paete, Kalayaan, Cavinti, Lumban, Luisiana, Santa Cruz, Magdalena, Pagsanjan, Majayjay, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Pila, Victoria), eastern portion of Quezon (Calauag, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan, Pitogo, San Andres, Buenavista, San Francisco, Pagbilao, Infanta, Lopez, Catanauan, Mulanay, Unisan, General Luna, Plaridel, Quezon, Alabat, Sampaloc, Padre Burgos, Macalelon, Mauban, Perez, Agdangan, Gumaca, Atimonan, Real, San Narciso, General Nakar, Lucban, City of Tayabas, Lucena City, including Polillo Islands), Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and northeastern portion of Albay (Malinao, Tiwi, Bacacay, City of Tabaco, Malilipot, Rapu-Rapu).

The highest wind warning that may be issued during its passage is Signal No. 4.

PAGASA warned of possible flooding and landslides in the affected areas due to moderate to intense rains, as well as a moderate to severe threat to lives and properties from strong winds, particularly in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Aurora, and Nueva Ecija.

It also warned of possible flooding or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains and a minor to moderate threat to lives and properties from strong winds in Metro Manila, the rest of Central Luzon, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Albay.

The trough or extension of Nika may also bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over the rest of Luzon and Eastern Visayas.