STS Nika Approaches Luzon, Expected to Reach Typhoon Strength

Severe Tropical Storm Nika continues its westward movement, nearing typhoon strength as it approaches Luzon. Nika is expected to make landfall over Isabela or Aurora tomorrow morning or early afternoon, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surge threats.

Current Location and Intensity

• Position: 380 km East of Infanta, Quezon (15.2°N, 125.2°E)
• Winds: Maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h, gusts up to 135 km/h
• Movement: Westward at 20 km/h
• Forecast: Nika may reach peak intensity of around 130 km/h before landfall, weakening slightly as it crosses Northern Luzon

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

• Signal No. 2 (Minor to moderate threat to life and property, with gale-force winds):
  • Luzon:
    • Northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler)
    • Isabela
    • Quirino
    • Southern portion of mainland Cagayan (Solana, Iguig, Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Baggao, Alcala, Amulung, Santo Niño, Rizal, Piat, Tuao, Gattaran, Lasam)
    • Nueva Vizcaya
    • Southern portion of Apayao (Kabugao, Conner, Flora, Pudtol)
    • Abra
    • Kalinga
    • Mountain Province
    • Ifugao
    • Benguet
    • Northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Pantabangan, Lupao, San Jose City)
    • Southern portion of Ilocos Sur (Narvacan, Nagbukel, Cervantes, Quirino, San Emilio, Santa Maria, Burgos, San Esteban, Santiago, Lidlidda, Banayoyo, City of Candon, Galimuyod, Salcedo, Gregorio del Pilar, Sigay, Santa Lucia, Santa Cruz, Suyo, Alilem, Tagudin, Sugpon)
    • La Union
    • Northeastern portion of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin, Sison, San Manuel, Umingan, Tayug)







• Signal No. 1 (Minimal to minor threat to life and property, with strong winds):
  • Luzon:
    • Rest of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
    • Rest of Apayao
    • Ilocos Norte
    • Rest of Ilocos Sur
    • Rest of Pangasinan
    • Rest of Aurora
    • Tarlac
    • Northern and central portions of Zambales (Santa Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, Palauig, Iba, Botolan, Cabangan, San Marcelino, San Felipe, San Narciso)
    • Rest of Nueva Ecija
    • Pampanga
    • Bulacan
    • Metro Manila
    • Rizal
    • Eastern portion of Laguna (Santa Maria, Mabitac, Pakil, Pangil, Famy, Siniloan, Paete, Kalayaan, Cavinti, Lumban, Luisiana, Santa Cruz, Magdalena, Pagsanjan, Majayjay, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Pila, Victoria)
    • Eastern portion of Quezon (Calauag, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan, Pitogo, San Andres, Buenavista, San Francisco, Pagbilao, Infanta, Lopez, Catanauan, Mulanay, Unisan, General Luna, Plaridel, Quezon, Alabat, Sampaloc, Padre Burgos, Macalelon, Mauban, Perez, Agdangan, Gumaca, Atimonan, Real, San Narciso, General Nakar, Lucban, Tayabas, Lucena City) including Polillo Islands
    • Camarines Norte
    • Camarines Sur
    • Catanduanes
    • Northeastern portion of Albay (Malinao, Tiwi, Bacacay, Tabaco City, Malilipot, Rapu-Rapu)

Coastal and Storm Surge Warnings

A moderate to high risk of storm surge remains for coastal areas, particularly in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Zambales, Aurora, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes. Residents in low-lying areas should remain vigilant.

Sea Conditions and Gale Warnings

Mariners are advised to stay in port as sea conditions remain hazardous, especially for smaller vessels.

• Very Rough Seas:
  • Up to 7.0 meters: Seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora
  • Up to 5.5 meters: Remaining seaboard of Aurora, northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands, and Camarines Norte
• Rough Seas:
  • Up to 4.5 meters: Eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan, northern seaboards of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, western seaboard of Ilocos Norte, and seaboard of Ilocos Sur
  • Up to 4.0 meters: Remaining seaboard of Catanduanes, mainland Cagayan, and Ilocos Norte

Track and Intensity Outlook

Nika is expected to move west-northwestward, with landfall possible over Isabela or northern Aurora tomorrow morning. The storm will likely weaken as it traverses the landmass of Northern Luzon, re-intensifying over the West Philippine Sea before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday evening.

Advisory for Residents and Local Authorities

• Evacuate if Necessary: Coastal residents and those in storm surge-prone areas should heed evacuation advisories.
• Secure Properties: Prepare for possible power outages and ensure outdoor items are secured.
• Avoid Coastal Areas: Refrain from any coastal activities as high waves and storm surge risks persist.

Stay updated with PAGASA bulletins and local advisories as Severe Tropical Storm Nika nears Luzon. Prioritize safety and remain vigilant.