Severe Tropical Storm Nika (Toraji) continues to strengthen and is nearing typhoon status as it moves westward over the Philippine Sea.
As of 4:00 PM, Nika was located 380 km east of Infanta, Quezon, with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center and gusts reaching up to 135 km/h.
The storm is moving westward at 20 km/h, extending strong to storm-force winds up to 340 km from its center.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals in Effect
- Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2: Gale-force winds are expected within 24 hours, with speeds ranging from 62 to 88 km/h. Residents in these areas should prepare for minor to moderate threats to life and property:
- Luzon: Northern Aurora, Isabela, Quirino, southern mainland Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, southern Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, northern Nueva Ecija, southern Ilocos Sur, La Union, and northeastern Pangasinan.
- Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1: Strong winds are expected within 36 hours, with speeds of 39 to 61 km/h. Minimal to minor impacts are possible in:
- Luzon: Remaining areas of Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Aurora, Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, eastern Laguna, and eastern Quezon including Polillo Islands. Provinces in the Bicol Region such as Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and northeastern Albay are also affected.
Other Hazards
- Heavy Rainfall: Severe rainfall is expected across affected regions. Residents should monitor Weather Advisory No. 7 for detailed information.
- Severe Winds: Strong winds are expected to intensify in coastal and highland areas, particularly those exposed to the northeast wind flow. The highest possible wind signal may reach Signal No. 4 if conditions worsen.
- Storm Surge Warning: Moderate to high risk of storm surge is forecasted for low-lying coastal areas, including Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Zambales, Aurora, Quezon, and the Bicol coastlines. Storm Surge Warning No. 4 provides detailed guidance.
Sea Travel Warnings
- High Seas: Up to 7.0 m in the seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora; sea travel is extremely dangerous for all vessels. Mariners are advised to remain in port.
- Rough to Very Rough Seas: Conditions vary from 3.0 to 5.5 m in the waters off Ilocos, Babuyan Islands, and Bicol regions. Navigation is highly risky for smaller seacrafts.
- Moderate Seas: Up to 2.5 m along the eastern seaboards of Northern Samar and Kalayaan Islands; caution is urged for smaller vessels.
Track and Intensity Outlook
Nika is expected to make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on 11 November, during the morning or early afternoon. Despite the exact landfall point, severe weather and coastal threats may extend beyond the impact area.
After crossing Luzon, Nika will move toward the West Philippine Sea, potentially re-intensifying after weakening due to land interaction.
The storm may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday afternoon.