Nika weakens into STS; Moves over the Coastal Waters of Ilocos Sur

Severe Tropical Storm Nika has weakened further as it continues its west-northwestward movement across the coastal waters of Ilocos Sur. The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by early tomorrow morning.

Current Location and Intensity

• Location: Over the coastal waters of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur (17.7°N, 120.3°E)
• Maximum Winds: 110 km/h, gustiness up to 185 km/h
• Movement: Northwestward at 20 km/h
• Forecast: Expected to weaken further as it moves over the West Philippine Sea and may become a remnant low near southern China in the coming days.

Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

TCWS No. 3 (Storm-force winds)

• Wind threat: Moderate to significant threat to life and property
• Warning lead time: 18 hours
• Range of wind speeds: 89 to 117 km/h
• LUZON:
  • Southern portion of Apayao: Conner, Kabugao
  • Abra (entire province)
  • Kalinga (entire province)
  • Mountain Province (entire province)
  • Ifugao (entire province)
  • Northern portion of Benguet: Buguias, Mankayan, Bakun
  • Southern portion of Ilocos Norte: Laoag City, Sarrat, San Nicolas, Piddig, Marcos, Nueva Era, Dingras, Bacarra, Solsona, Paoay, Currimao, Pinili, Badoc, City of Batac, Banna
  • Ilocos Sur (entire province)

TCWS No. 2 (Gale-force winds)

• Wind threat: Minor to moderate threat to life and property
• Warning lead time: 24 hours
• Range of wind speeds: 62 to 88 km/h
• LUZON:
  • Southwestern portion of Cagayan: Iguig, Alcala, Amulung, Santo Niño, Lasam, Santa Praxedes, Claveria, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Allacapan, Ballesteros, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Enrile, Tuguegarao City, Solana, Tuao, Piat, Rizal
  • Eastern portion of Isabela: Santo Tomas, Alicia, San Mateo, Aurora, Santa Maria, Quezon, Ramon, Roxas, Luna, Delfin Albano, City of Santiago, Reina Mercedes, San Manuel, Cabatuan, Quirino, San Isidro, Mallig, Burgos, Cordon, Cabagan
  • Northern portion of Quirino: Diffun, Cabarroguis, Saguday
  • Northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya: Bambang, Kayapa, Santa Fe, Aritao, Quezon, Bayombong, Ambaguio, Solano, Bagabag, Diadi, Villaverde, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte, Kasibu
  • La Union (entire province)
  • Rest of Ilocos Norte (entire province)
  • Rest of Apayao (entire province)
  • Rest of Benguet (entire province)

TCWS No. 1 (Strong winds)

• Wind threat: Minimal to minor threat to life and property
• Warning lead time: 36 hours
• Range of wind speeds: 39 to 61 km/h
• LUZON:
  • Pangasinan (entire province)
  • Rest of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
  • Rest of Isabela (entire province)
  • Rest of Quirino (entire province)
  • Rest of Nueva Vizcaya (entire province)
  • Tarlac (entire province)
  • Northern and central portions of Zambales: Santa Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, Palauig, Iba, Botolan, Cabangan
  • Nueva Ecija (entire province)
  • Aurora (entire province)

Track and Intensity Outlook

Nika is expected to continue moving west-northwestward over the West Philippine Sea and exit the PAR by early tomorrow morning. It may weaken into a remnant low by the time it nears southern China in the next few days.

Advisory for Residents and Authorities

• Stay Alert: Monitor updates and heed local authorities’ advisories, especially in areas under TCWS No. 3 and TCWS No. 2.
• Prepare for Coastal Hazards: Coastal communities should remain vigilant for potential storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and Zambales.
• Mariners Cautioned: All mariners should stay in port and avoid sea travel until conditions improve.