STS Nika maintains strength as it moves westward towards Luzon

Severe Tropical Storm Nika is maintaining strength as it moves westward over the Philippine Sea, bringing strong winds and potential storm surge along its path. The storm is expected to intensify into a typhoon later today and may make landfall over Isabela or Aurora tomorrow, according to PAGASA.

Current Location and Intensity

• Position: 500 km East of Infanta, Quezon (15.1°N, 126.3°E)
• Winds: Maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h, gusts up to 125 km/h, and central pressure of 985 hPa
• Movement: Westward at 30 km/h
• Wind Reach: Strong to storm-force winds extend up to 300 km from the center

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

• Signal No. 2 (Minor to moderate threat to life and property, with gale-force winds):
  • Luzon:
    • Northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler)
    • Isabela
    • Quirino
    • Southern portion of Cagayan (Solana, Iguig, Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile)
    • Nueva Vizcaya
    • Kalinga
    • Mountain Province
    • Ifugao






• Signal No. 1 (Minimal to minor threat to life and property, with strong winds):
  • Luzon:
    • Rest of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
    • Apayao
    • Abra
    • Ilocos Norte
    • Ilocos Sur
    • Eastern and central portions of Pangasinan:
      • San Nicolas
      • Tayug
      • Natividad
      • San Quintin
      • Umingan
      • Basista
      • Villasis
      • Malasiqui
      • San Fabian
      • Urbiztondo
      • Bautista
      • Mangaldan
      • Mapandan
      • Rosales
      • Dagupan City
      • Binalonan
      • Aguilar
      • Alcala
      • San Manuel
      • Asingan
      • Santo Tomas
      • Pozorrubio
      • Santa Maria
      • City of Urdaneta
      • Laoac
      • Mangatarem
      • San Carlos City
      • Manaoag
      • Binmaley
      • San Jacinto
      • Bayambang
      • Calasiao
      • Santa Barbara
      • Balungao
      • Sison
      • Lingayen
      • Bugallon
      • Labrador
    • La Union
    • Benguet
    • Rest of Aurora
    • Tarlac
    • Nueva Ecija
    • Pampanga
    • Bulacan
    • Northern Metro Manila (Navotas, Valenzuela, Malabon, Caloocan, Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City)
    • Rizal
    • Northeastern Laguna (Santa Maria, Mabitac, Pakil, Pangil, Famy, Siniloan, Paete, Kalayaan, Cavinti, Lumban, Luisiana)
    • Eastern 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
    • 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 over the next 48 hours, affecting Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Zambales, Aurora, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.

Sea Conditions and Gale Warnings

Rough to very rough seas make sea travel risky in areas impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Nika. Mariners are advised to stay in port.

• 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, and Catanduanes
  • Up to 4.0 meters: Remaining seaboard of Catanduanes
• Moderate Seas:
  • Up to 2.5 meters: Eastern seaboard of Northern Samar
  • Mariners of small craft should avoid sea travel.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Nika is forecast to continue moving west-northwestward and may make landfall over Isabela or Aurora tomorrow (November 11) morning or early afternoon. The storm is likely to strengthen into a typhoon today. After crossing Northern Luzon, it will re-enter the West Philippine Sea, where re-intensification is possible before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Tuesday (November 12) evening.

Advisory for Residents and Local Authorities

• Evacuate if Necessary: Residents in storm surge-prone and low-lying areas should heed local evacuation orders.
• Secure Properties: Ensure that outdoor items are secured, and prepare for possible power outages.
• Avoid Coastal Areas: Coastal activities and travel should be avoided as high waves and storm surge risks persist.