More areas under Signal No. 1 as 'Nika' intensifies into tropical storm

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau has placed more areas in Luzon under Signal No. 1 as Nika (international name: Toraji) intensified into a tropical storm on Saturday, November 9.

In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said Nika spotted 1,005 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon.

Bearing peak winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching up to 80 kph, Nika is moving westward at 35 kph.

Wind signal

The following areas in Luzon are under Signal No. 1:

• southeastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue)
• northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)
• southeastern portion of mainland Quezon (Calauag, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan)
• Pollilo Islands
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Catanduanes
• northeastern portion of Albay (Malinao, Tiwi, City of Tabaco, Bacacay, Malilipot, Rapu-Rapu)

Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience possible minimal to minor impacts from strong winds, ranging from 39 kph to 61 kph.

PAGASA said the highest wind signal that may be hoisted due to Nika is Signal No. 3.

Strong to gale-force gusts are expected on Sunday, November 10, over Batanes, northern Cagayan including Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte.

Sea conditions

PAGASA warned mariners about hazardous sea conditions, advising that travel may be risky for smaller vessels, including motorbancas, in the following areas:

• Up to 3 meters: Northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes; seaboard of Kalayaan Islands; northern seaboard of Camarines Sur
• Up to 2.5 meters: Seaboards of Isabela, northern Aurora and Camarines Norte; northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands and Northern Samar; eastern seaboards of Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, Albay, and Sorsogon
• Up to 2 meters: Remaining seaboards of Cagayan Valley, seaboard of Ilocos Region; western seaboards of Zambales, Bataan, Lubang Islands, Occidental Mindoro, Calamian Islands, and mainland Palawan; eastern seaboards of Camarines Sur, Eastern Samar and Dinagat Islands

Track, intensity outlook

The state weather bureau said Nika is moving west-northwest and may make landfall over Isabela or Aurora by Monday afternoon or evening, November 11.

It is expected to intensify into a severe tropical storm by Monday morning. While it may weaken slightly as it crosses Luzon, Nika is likely to maintain its intensity.