Typhoon Carina Intensifies into a Super Typhoon, Heads Towards Northern Taiwan

PAGASA has reported that Typhoon Carina (GAEMI) has intensified into a Super Typhoon as it approaches Northern Taiwan. With maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h and gustiness up to 230 km/h, Carina poses significant threats to the regions in its path.

Current Status:

• Location (4:00 PM): The center of Super Typhoon Carina was estimated at 380 km North of Itbayat, Batanes (24.2°N, 122.1°E).
• Intensity: Maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, gustiness up to 230 km/h, and central pressure of 930 hPa.
• Movement: Northwestward at 20 km/h.
• Extent of Winds: Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 700 km from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) in Effect:

• TCWS No. 2:
  • Wind threat: Gale-Force winds
  • Warning lead time: 24 hours
  • Range of wind speeds: 62 to 88 km/h (Beaufort 8 to 9)
  • Potential impacts of winds: Minor to moderate threat to life and property
  • Areas affected: Batanes
• TCWS No. 1:
  • Wind threat: Strong winds
  • Warning lead time: 36 hours
  • Range of wind speeds: 39 to 61 km/h (Beaufort 6 to 7)
  • Potential impacts of winds: Minimal to minor threat to life and property
  • Areas affected: Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Claveria, Santa Praxedes, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Santa Ana, Gonzaga), and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Burgos, Bangui, Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Adams).

Heavy Rainfall Warning:

Issued at 5:00 PM, 24 July 2024

• Orange Warning:
  • Areas: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan
  • Hazards: Flooding and landslide threatening in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas
• Yellow Warning:
  • Areas: Batanes and Western Abra (Bangued, Danglas, Dolores, La Paz, Lagayan, Langiden, Luba, Pidigan, Pilar, San Isidro, San Quintin, Tayum, Villaviciosa, Peñarrubia)
  • Hazards: Possible flooding and landslide in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas
• Light to Moderate Rains:
  • Areas: Portions of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Apayao within the next 1 to 2 hours
  • Light to Moderate to Heavy Rains: Affecting the rest of Abra, portions of Aurora, and Babuyan Group of Islands within 2 to 3 hours, possibly affecting nearby areas

The public and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices are advised to monitor the weather condition and watch for the next warning to be issued at 8:00 PM today. Precautionary measures against the impacts of these hazards should be taken, and residents along mountain slopes are advised of possible landslides, mudslides, rockslides, and flash floods.

Severe Winds:

• Minor to moderate impacts: Expected within areas under TCWS No. 2.
• Minimal to minor impacts: Expected within areas under TCWS No. 1.
• The enhanced Southwest Monsoon will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over various regions, especially in coastal and upland areas.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters:

• Gale Warning is in effect over coastal waters of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and northern Ilocos Norte and Cagayan.
• Rough seas (2.5 to 4.0 m) are expected over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and Central Luzon.
• Moderate to rough seas are expected over the seaboards of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Mariners of small seacrafts are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions.

Track and Intensity Outlook:

• Carina is forecast to make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan this evening, then exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow morning. It will then cross the Taiwan Strait and make final landfall over southeastern China tomorrow afternoon or evening.
• Carina has reached its peak intensity and will start weakening upon landfall in Taiwan.

The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised to take necessary measures to protect life and property. Follow local officials’ evacuation instructions and monitor PAGASA updates for the latest severe weather information.

The next tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued at 11:00 PM today. Stay safe and vigilant.