Signal No. 1 in Metro Manila, Signal No. 2 in 8 areas amid ‘Nika’
Credit to Author: Kristine Daguno-Bersamina| Date: Sun, 10 Nov 2024 12:30:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau has raised tropical cyclone wind signals, placing parts of Metro Manila under Signal No. 1 and eight other areas under Signal No. 2 due to Severe Tropical Storm Nika (international name: Toraji).
In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin on Sunday, November 10, PAGASA said that Nika is maintaining its strength as it moves westward at 30 kilometers per hour over the Philippine Sea.
It was last spotted 500 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon, bearing peak winds of 100 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 125 kph.
The storm is producing strong to storm-force winds extending 300 kilometers from its center, affecting various areas in northern and central Luzon.
The following areas are under tropical cyclone wind signals:
Signal No. 2
Gale-force winds, ranging from 62 kph to 88 kph, could potentially cause minor to moderate impacts in these areas.
Signal No. 1
Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience possible minimal to minor impacts from strong winds, ranging from 39 kph to 61 kph.
PAGASA said that heavy rainfall is expected in areas under Signal No. 2 over the next 24 hours. Some areas could experience 100–200 mm of rain, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.
The highest wind signal that may be raised is Signal No. 4.
The northeasterly wind flow is expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas in the coming days:
A moderate to high risk of storm surges is expected in exposed coastal areas, particularly in the eastern seaboard of southern Luzon, including parts of Quezon, Aurora and Isabela.
The state weather bureau issued a gale warning for coastal waters, particularly over the eastern seaboard of southern Luzon.
It also warned the public to avoid traveling by sea due to dangerous conditions in the following coastal water areas:
Severe Tropical Storm Nika is expected to make landfall in Isabela or Aurora on Monday, November 11, as it moves west-northwestward across the Philippine Sea.
According to PAGASA, Nika may develop into a typhoon on Sunday, potentially peaking before landfall. After crossing northern Luzon, the storm will emerge over the West Philippine Sea by Monday evening.
Although landfall is expected in Isabela or Aurora, the state weather bureau warned that areas outside the direct path may still experience heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges.
It is expected to weaken as it moves over land but may strengthen again once it reaches the sea.
Nika may leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Tuesday, November 12.