Severe Tropical Storm Kristine continues to decelerate as it moves northwestward across Northern Luzon.
As of 4:00 AM today, the storm’s center was located near Tumauini, Isabela, with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h, gusts reaching up to 160 km/h, and a central pressure of 985 hPa.
The storm is currently moving west-northwest at 15 km/h, with storm-force winds extending up to 730 km from its center.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) have been raised in several areas.
TCWS No. 3 is in effect in the southern portion of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, parts of Abra, Benguet, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Pangasinan, La Union, and portions of Ilocos Sur. These areas can expect storm-force winds with speeds ranging from 89 to 117 km/h, posing a moderate to significant threat to life and property.
TCWS No. 2 has been hoisted over Ilocos Norte, Apayao, the rest of Abra and Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, parts of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Metro Manila, and other areas. Gale-force winds are expected, ranging from 62 to 88 km/h, with a minor to moderate threat to life and property.
Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is raised over Batanes, the rest of Quezon, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, parts of Palawan, and parts of Visayas including Northern Cebu, Northern Samar, Biliran, and Northern Leyte, among others. These areas will experience strong winds with minimal to minor impacts.
Kristine is expected to cross Northern Luzon in the next 12 hours and may weaken slightly due to land interaction, though it could re-intensify once it moves over the West Philippine Sea.
The storm is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by tomorrow afternoon.
Heavy Rainfall and Coastal Hazards
In addition to strong winds, heavy rainfall is expected, with moderate to high risks of storm surges in low-lying coastal areas of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Zambales, and Quezon.
Gale warnings are also in effect across the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas, where sea conditions could become extremely hazardous with waves reaching up to 8 meters.
Mariners are strongly advised against sea travel until conditions improve.