PAGASA has reported that Typhoon Marce (international name: Yinxing) is now closer to Northern Luzon, with its center located 305 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
The typhoon’s intensity has further increased, carrying maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h near the center, gusts up to 185 km/h, and a central pressure of 970 hPa.
Marce is moving west-northwestward at 10 km/h, extending powerful winds up to 460 km from the center.
Wind Alerts and Areas at Risk
- Signal No. 3 (Storm-force Winds): Moderate to significant impacts are expected in the northeastern parts of Cagayan (Santa Ana) with wind speeds of 89-117 km/h.
- Signal No. 2 (Gale-force Winds): The areas of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and several towns in northern Cagayan (including Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, and Aparri) are under alert, anticipating 62-88 km/h winds that may cause minor to moderate damage.
- Signal No. 1 (Strong Winds): Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and parts of Apayao, Kalinga, and Ifugao, along with other areas in Cagayan and Isabela, should brace for winds of 39-61 km/h with minimal to minor impacts.
Coastal Hazards and Sea Conditions
Residents along the coastal areas of Batanes, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur are warned of potential storm surges reaching 2.0-3.0 meters above normal tide levels over the next 48 hours.
PAGASA has also issued a Gale Warning for Northern Luzon’s seaboards and eastern Central Luzon, advising all vessels to stay docked.
24-Hour Sea Condition Outlook
- Very rough seas are expected in the Babuyan Islands and the northeastern coast of Cagayan, with waves reaching up to 12 meters. Mariners in smaller crafts are advised against sailing due to dangerous sea conditions.
Typhoon Path and Forecast
Marce is forecast to pass over the Babuyan Islands or northern Cagayan by Thursday afternoon and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening.
Slight weakening is anticipated due to the rugged terrain, though it will remain classified as a typhoon.
Residents and disaster management teams are urged to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and stay updated on severe weather advisories.