The weather disturbance previously known as Tropical Depression Nika has now intensified into a tropical storm. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued its latest bulletin at 5:00 PM, reporting that Tropical Storm Nika continues to move rapidly westward, posing a growing threat to several areas in Luzon.
Current Situation and Storm Details
As of 4:00 PM, the center of Tropical Storm Nika was located 1,005 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, situated at coordinates 14.4°N, 131.0°E. Nika now has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 80 km/h, and a central pressure of 1000 hPa. The storm is traveling westward at a brisk pace of 35 km/h, with strong to gale-force winds extending outward up to 250 kilometers from the center.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals and Affected Areas
PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the following areas in Luzon, where winds of 39 to 61 km/h (Beaufort 6 to 7) are expected within the next 36 hours:
- Southeastern Isabela: Dinapigue
- Northern Aurora: Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan
- Southeastern Mainland Quezon: Calauag, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan
- Polillo Islands
- Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur
- Catanduanes
- Northeastern Albay: Malinao, Tiwi, City of Tabaco, Bacacay, Malilipot, Rapu-Rapu
These areas may experience minimal to minor impacts on life and property due to the strong winds. Coastal and upland regions, especially those exposed to the prevailing wind direction, should brace for stronger gusts. PAGASA warns that the highest possible Wind Signal Nika may prompt during its intensification is Signal No. 3.
Additional Wind and Rainfall Hazards
Aside from Tropical Storm Nika, the prevailing northeasterly wind flow is expected to generate strong to gale-force gusts over Batanes, northern Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands), and Ilocos Norte starting tomorrow, 10 November.
Communities under Wind Signal No. 1 should monitor further advisories and remain cautious of the potential for localized flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas.
Sea Condition Warnings and Safety Advisories
Rough sea conditions, with waves reaching up to 3.0 meters, have been forecast for:
- The northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes
- Waters around Kalayaan Islands
- The northern seaboard of Camarines Sur
Mariners operating small sea vessels, such as motorbancas, are advised to avoid these waters, especially if inadequately equipped or inexperienced. In addition, moderate sea conditions, with waves up to 2.5 meters, are expected along the seaboards of Isabela, northern Aurora, Camarines Norte, and the eastern coasts of Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, Albay, and Sorsogon. Vessels in these regions should take precautionary measures.
The sea condition outlook further highlights up to 2.0-meter waves across the remaining seaboards of Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Lubang Islands, Occidental Mindoro, and parts of Palawan and Eastern Samar.
Mariners should stay updated and exercise caution.
Track and Intensity Outlook
Tropical Storm Nika is projected to move west northwestward in the coming days. On its current trajectory, Nika could make landfall over Isabela or Aurora by Monday, 11 November, in the afternoon or evening.
However, PAGASA emphasizes that hazardous conditions may still affect areas beyond the predicted landfall point, and residents in a wide radius should prepare.
Nika is expected to intensify further into a severe tropical storm by Monday morning before making landfall.
While interaction with Luzon’s mountainous terrain will likely cause some weakening, the storm is expected to maintain severe tropical storm strength as it traverses the landmass.
Preparedness and Safety Reminders
Local disaster risk reduction and management offices are urged to take all necessary precautions to protect lives and property. Residents in high-risk areas should heed evacuation orders and follow instructions from local authorities.
It is crucial to stay updated on rainfall warnings, thunderstorm advisories, and other weather alerts from PAGASA’s regional offices.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared for the evolving threats posed by Tropical Storm Nika. Keep monitoring official bulletins for the latest updates and advisories as the storm progresses toward Luzon.