Typhoon Marce continue to threaten mainland Cagayan and Babuyan Island

Typhoon Marce continues to strengthen as it approaches Northern Cagayan and Babuyan Islands, bringing powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous sea conditions. Residents in affected areas are urged to prepare and follow safety measures as the typhoon moves closer to land.

Current Location and Intensity

• Position: 200 km east of Aparri, Cagayan (18.3°N, 123.5°E)
• Winds: Maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h near the center, with gusts up to 190 km/h
• Movement: West-northwestward at 15 km/h
• Wind Reach: Typhoon-force winds extend up to 560 km from the center

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

• Signal No. 4: Strongest signal, with a significant to severe threat to life and property in:
  • Northern Mainland Cagayan (Gonzaga, Santa Ana, Santa Teresita, Lal-Lo, Buguey, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Ballesteros, Allacapan, Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira)
  • Babuyan Islands
  • Northeastern Apayao (Santa Marcela)
• Signal No. 3: Moderate to significant impacts with storm-force winds in:
  • Southern Batanes (Mahatao, Uyugan, Basco, Ivana, Sabtang)
  • Rest of Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte
  • Northern Abra (Tineg)
• Signal No. 2: Minor to moderate impacts with gale-force winds in:
  • Rest of Batanes
  • Northern and Central Isabela (San Pablo, Santa Maria, Divilacan, Tumauini, and surrounding areas)
  • Rest of Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province
  • Northern Ifugao (Alfonso Lista, Aguinaldo)
  • Northern Benguet (Bakun, Mankayan)
  • Ilocos Sur
  • Northern La Union (Sudipen, Bangar)
• Signal No. 1: Minimal to minor impacts with strong winds in:
  • Rest of La Union, Pangasinan, Ifugao, Benguet
  • Rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya
  • Northern and Central Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)
  • Northern Nueva Ecija (Carranglan)
  • Northern Zambales (Santa Cruz, Candelaria)

Coastal and Storm Surge Warnings

A high risk of life-threatening storm surge, with water levels reaching over 3 meters above normal tide, is expected along the coastal areas of Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union. Low-lying areas are advised to evacuate as instructed by local authorities.

Sea Conditions and Gale Warnings

Hazardous sea conditions are forecasted, making sea travel extremely risky. Mariners should remain in port or seek safe harbor.

• Very Rough to Extremely Rough Seas:
  • Up to 12.0 meters along Babuyan Islands and northern Cagayan and Ilocos Norte coasts
  • Up to 9.0 meters in Batanes and remaining Ilocos Norte and Cagayan seaboards
  • Up to 8.0 meters along the northern Ilocos Sur and Isabela seaboards
  • Sea travel is prohibited for all vessel types in these waters.
• Rough Seas:
  • Up to 4.0 meters in Kalayaan Islands and Polillo Islands seaboards
  • Small craft operators and motorbancas are advised against venturing out under these conditions.

Track and Intensity Forecast

Marce is expected to continue moving west-northwest today before turning westward. The typhoon is projected to make landfall over Babuyan Islands or Northern Cagayan this afternoon, passing through Ilocos Norte and Apayao by early morning on Friday (November 8). Marce may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday evening.

Slight weakening may occur due to Marce’s interaction with Luzon’s terrain; however, it will remain at typhoon intensity throughout its passage.

Advisory for Residents and Local Authorities

Residents in areas under higher wind signals (Signal Nos. 3 and 4) are advised to prepare for strong winds, potential power outages, and structural damage. All communities should monitor the latest PAGASA bulletins and follow local evacuation orders as necessary.

• Precautions: Secure properties, avoid coastal areas, prepare emergency supplies, and follow local guidelines to ensure safety.
• Mariners: Avoid sea travel and take extreme precautions as sea conditions remain hazardous.

Stay tuned for further updates and advisories, and prioritize safety as Typhoon Marce approaches.