The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Saturday, Nov. 9, that “Nika” has intensified into a tropical storm.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA reported that the center of Tropical Storm Nika was located 1,005 km east of southeastern Luzon. It is moving westward at 35 kilometers per hour (km/h) with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 80 km/h.
Track and intensity outlook
PAGASA said “Nika” is expected to move generally west-northwestward throughout the forecast period.
According to the track forecast, PAGASA projects that it may make landfall over Isabela or Aurora on Monday, Nov. 11, in the afternoon or evening.
“Regardless of the exact landfall point, it must be emphasized that hazards may still be experienced in areas outside the landfall point or forecast confidence cone,” PAGASA noted.
PAGASA further indicated that “Nika” is expected to “gradually intensify and may reach severe tropical storm category” by Monday morning, Nov. 11, before landfall.
“Weakening is expected during its passage due to interaction with the terrain of mainland Luzon, though Nika will likely remain a severe tropical storm,” PAGASA added.
Signal No. 1 raised
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised over parts of Luzon, including southeastern Isabela (Dinapigue), northern Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan), southeastern mainland Quezon (Calauag, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan), Pollilo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and northeastern Albay (Malinao, Tiwi, Tabaco City, Bacacay, Malilipot, Rapu-Rapu).
PAGASA indicated that winds of 39 to 61 km/h may occur in these areas within the next 36 hours, with the possibility of intermittent rains during that time.
“Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and mountainous areas exposed to the prevailing winds,” PAGASA said, adding that “winds are expected to be less intense in sheltered areas.”
PAGASA noted that minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible in areas under Wind Signal No. 1.
Meanwhile, the highest Wind Signal that may be issued during “Nika” is expected to be Signal No. 3.
PAGASA also reported that the northeasterly wind flow will bring strong to gale-force gusts over Batanes, northern Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), and Ilocos Norte in the coming days.