The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised tropical cyclone wind signals over 28 areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila, on Sunday, Nov. 10, in preparation for Severe Tropical Storm “Nika” (international name: Toraji).

In its 2 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Nika was located 425 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon.

The severe tropical storm has slightly intensified, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center and gusts reaching 135 kph. It is moving westward at 30 kph over the Philippine Sea.

If it continues on its current track, PAGASA said Nika may make landfall over Isabela or Aurora on Monday morning or early afternoon, Nov. 11.

“Regardless of the position of the landfall point, it must be emphasized that hazards may still be experienced in areas outside the landfall point or within the forecast confidence cone. The tropical cyclone will then traverse the landmass of mainland Northern Luzon and emerge over the West Philippine Sea tomorrow evening,” PAGASA added.

Wind warnings

PAGASA said Nika will be classified as a typhoon once its maximum wind speed reaches between 118 and 184 kph. Therefore, the highest wind warning that may be issued during its passage is Signal No. 4.

As of Sunday afternoon, Signal No. 2 has been raised over the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler), Isabela, Quirino, southern portion of Cagayan (Solana, Iguig, Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile), Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, eastern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Itogon, Bokod, Atok), northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Pantabangan), and northeastern portion of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin).

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is up over the rest of Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, eastern and central portions of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, Tayug, Natividad, San Quintin, Umingan, Basista, Villasis, Malasiqui, San Fabian, Urbiztondo, Bautista, Mangaldan, Mapandan, Rosales, Dagupan City, Binalonan, Aguilar, Alcala, San Manuel, Asingan, Santo Tomas, Pozorrubio, Santa Maria, City of Urdaneta, Laoac, Mangatarem, San Carlos City, Manaoag, Binmaley, San Jacinto, Bayambang, Calasiao, Santa Barbara, Balungao, Sison, Lingayen, Bugallon, Labrador), La Union, the rest of Benguet, 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 Pollilo Islands), Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and northeastern portion of Albay (Malinao, Tiwi, Bacacay, City of Tabaco, Malilipot, Rapu-Rapu).

Rainfall outlook

PAGASA warned of widespread and severe flooding and landslides due to intense to torrential rains (over 200 millimeters) in Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, and Aurora from Monday noon to Tuesday noon, Nov. 12.

Heavy to intense rainfall (100 to 200 millimeters) may also affect Kalinga, Mountain Province, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, and Abra.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall (50 to 100 millimeters) may prevail over Tarlac, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/10/nika-rapidly-intensifies-into-severe-tropical-storm-pagasa