Kristine now a Severe Tropical Storm; Benguet now under TCWS. No. 3

As of 5:00 PM, October 23, 2024, Kristine has strengthened into a Severe Tropical Storm. Currently located 175 km east of Echague, Isabela, the storm continues its movement northwestward at 20 km/h. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h and gusts of up to 115 km/h, with strong to storm-force winds extending up to 730 km from the center.

Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS)

TCWS No. 3 (Storm-force winds expected within 18 hours, 89-117 km/h)

• Luzon:
  • Isabela
  • Kalinga
  • Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Central portion of Abra (Malibcong, Licuan-Baay, Sallapadan, Daguioman, Bucloc, Boliney, Tubo, Luba, Manabo, Bucay, Villaviciosa, Pilar, San Isidro, Peñarrubia)
  • Benguet
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler)
  • Northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Lupao, San Jose City, Pantabangan)
  • Pangasinan
  • La Union
  • Central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur (Cervantes, Quirino, Sigay, Suyo, Alilem, Sugpon, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Salcedo, Gregorio del Pilar, San Emilio, Lidlidda, Burgos, San Esteban, Santiago, Banayoyo, Galimuyod, Candon City, Santa Lucia, Nagbukel, Santa Maria, Narvacan)

TCWS No. 2 (Gale-force winds expected within 24 hours, 62-88 km/h)

• Luzon:
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Rest of Ilocos Sur
  • Apayao
  • Rest of Abra
  • Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
  • Rest of Aurora
  • Rest of Nueva Ecija
  • Bulacan
  • Tarlac
  • Pampanga
  • Zambales
  • Bataan
  • Metro Manila
  • Cavite
  • Laguna
  • Rizal
  • Quezon including Polillo Islands
  • Camarines Norte
  • Camarines Sur
  • Catanduanes

TCWS No. 1 (Strong winds expected within 36 hours, 39-61 km/h)

Luzon:

• Batanes
• Batangas
• Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands
• Oriental Mindoro
• Marinduque
• Romblon
• Calamian Islands
• Albay
• Sorsogon
• Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands

Visayas:

• Aklan
• Capiz
• Antique including Caluya Islands
• Iloilo
• Guimaras
• Northern Negros Occidental
• Northern Negros Oriental
• Northern and central Cebu including Bantayan Islands and Camotes Islands
• Bohol
• Eastern Samar
• Northern Samar
• Samar
• Leyte
• Biliran
• Southern Leyte

Mindanao:

• Dinagat Islands
• Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Group

Hazards Affecting Land Areas

• Heavy Rainfall: Refer to Weather Advisory No. 14 for the latest heavy rainfall outlook due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
• Storm Surge: Moderate to significant risk of life-threatening storm surge is expected in the next 48 hours over low-lying or exposed coastal areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Zambales, Aurora, and Quezon. Residents are advised to follow evacuation orders.
• Severe Winds: Storm-force winds may cause moderate to significant impacts within areas under TCWS No. 3, while gale-force winds are expected in areas under TCWS No. 2. Strong winds in areas under TCWS No. 1 may cause minimal to minor impacts.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

• A Gale Warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas. Sea conditions will range from rough to very rough, with waves up to 8.0 meters in some areas. Sea travel is extremely risky, and mariners are advised to stay in port until conditions improve.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Kristine is forecast to move generally northwestward for the next 12 hours before turning westward. The storm is expected to make landfall over Isabela tonight or early tomorrow morning (October 24). After crossing the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon, Kristine is expected to weaken slightly but may re-intensify once it moves over the West Philippine Sea. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday, October 25.

Residents in affected areas are urged to take all necessary precautions to protect life and property. Follow local advisories for evacuation and other instructions.

Stay tuned for further updates. The next bulletin will be issued at 8:00 PM today.