Typhoon Marce maintains strength as it continue to move northwest

Typhoon Marce continues its course northwestward over the Philippine Sea, maintaining strong winds and threatening heavy rainfall, severe winds, and hazardous sea conditions over parts of Northern Luzon. Residents and travelers are urged to stay vigilant and follow precautions.

Location and Intensity

• Position: 345 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (17.9°N, 125.0°E)
• Strength: Maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 170 km/h
• Movement: Northwestward at 15 km/h

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

• Signal No. 2: This signal warns of potential moderate impacts, including light to moderate structural damage and damage to crops and vegetation. Affected areas include:
  • Eastern Babuyan Islands (Camiguin Is., Babuyan Is.)
  • Northeastern Mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, Buguey)
• Signal No. 1: This signal indicates strong winds with minimal to minor impacts, primarily to light structures and crops. Areas under Signal No. 1 include:
  • Batanes
  • Remaining parts of Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Ilocos Sur
  • Apayao
  • Abra
  • Kalinga
  • Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Northern Benguet (Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Atok, Bokod)
  • Isabela
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Quirino
  • Northern Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora)

Coastal Inundation and Hazards

A storm surge warning is in effect, with risks of life-threatening storm surges up to 3 meters above normal tide levels for coastal areas in Batanes, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

Sea Condition and Gale Warnings

A Gale Warning is issued for Northern Luzon and Central Luzon’s eastern seaboards, with rough to very rough sea conditions expected:

• High to Very Rough Seas:
  • Up to 8.0 meters: Northeastern Cagayan and eastern Babuyan Islands
  • Up to 7.0 meters: Remaining seaboards of Cagayan and Babuyan Islands
  • Up to 6.0 meters: Northern Ilocos Norte, northeastern Isabela
  • Sea travel is strictly risky for all vessels in these waters, and mariners are urged to remain in port or seek immediate shelter.
• Rough to Moderate Seas:
  • Up to 4.0 meters: Zambales and nearby coasts
  • Mariners of smaller crafts are advised to avoid sea travel, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels.

Forecast Track and Intensity

Marce is projected to move northwestward, then turn westward tomorrow (November 7), approaching Babuyan Islands or northern Cagayan. A landfall is likely on Thursday evening or early Friday morning. By Friday evening, Marce is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Forecast Positions:

• Nov 6, 2024 (2:00 PM): 280 km east of Aparri, Cagayan
• Nov 7, 2024 (2:00 AM): 190 km east of Aparri, Cagayan
• Nov 7, 2024 (2:00 PM): Over coastal waters of Santa Ana, Cagayan
• Nov 8, 2024 (2:00 AM): Over coastal waters of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
• Nov 8, 2024 (2:00 PM): 185 km west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Public Advisory and Precautions

Residents in affected areas should:

• Prepare for potential power outages, secure outdoor items, and ensure flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies are available.
• Avoid unnecessary travel by sea or air and postpone outdoor activities.
• Follow local evacuation instructions if advised by authorities and keep communication lines open.

For updates on rainfall, storm surge, and severe weather advisories, monitor PAGASA’s regular bulletins. Stay safe and prepared as Typhoon Marce nears Luzon.