MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Nika (international name: Toraji) has intensified as it approaches the northeastern part of Luzon, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 over six provinces. The typhoon is currently located over the waters east of Aurora, with strong winds and heavy rainfall expected to affect large parts of Luzon.
Areas Under Signal No. 4
PAGASA has placed the following areas under TCWS No. 4, which signals the possibility of severe to significant impacts from typhoon-force winds (118–184 km/h) within 12 hours:
- Aurora: Northern portion (Dilasag, Casiguran)
- Isabela: Central and southern portions, including Dinapigue, San Mariano, San Guillermo, and other towns in the area
- Abra: Southeastern portion (Tubo, Boliney, Daguioman, and others)
- Mountain Province: Central and eastern portions (Sadanga, Bontoc, Barlig, and others)
- Ifugao: Eastern portion (Aguinaldo, Mayoyao, Alfonso Lista)
- Kalinga: Western and southern portions (Tanudan, Tinglayan, Pasil, Lubuagan, and others)
These areas are at risk of experiencing the most severe wind impacts, with gusts that could reach up to 184 km/h.
Areas Under TCWS No. 3 and 2
Signal No. 3 has been raised over the following provinces, where storm-force winds (89–117 km/h) are expected within 18 hours:
- Northern Aurora, Northeastern Nueva Vizcaya, Northern Isabela, Cagayan, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, and portions of Ilocos Sur.
Signal No. 2 is in effect over provinces including Central Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan, Pangasinan, and several others, where gale-force winds (62–88 km/h) may occur within 24 hours.
Areas Under TCWS No. 1
The lowest level of wind warning, Signal No. 1, has been issued for areas such as Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and parts of Zambales, Laguna, Quezon, and the Bicol Region. These areas may experience winds of 39–61 km/h over the next 36 hours.
Typhoon Nika’s Current Position and Movement
As of 4 a.m. Monday, the center of Typhoon Nika was located approximately 100 km east-southeast of Casiguran, Aurora. The typhoon is moving west-northwestward at a speed of 20 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts reaching up to 150 km/h. The typhoon’s strong winds extend up to 340 km from its center.
Rainfall Forecasts
Heavy rainfall is expected in various parts of Luzon, with intense to torrential rains (200 mm or more) forecast for Aurora, Isabela, Cagayan, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Apayao on Monday. Other areas, such as Abra, Benguet, and Ilocos Norte, may experience heavy rains (100–200 mm).
Moderate to heavy rains (50–100 mm) are expected in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Pangasinan.
Coastal Hazards
PAGASA has issued a gale warning for the eastern seaboards of Luzon and northern seaboards of Northern Luzon, where sea conditions will be very rough, with waves reaching heights of up to 8 meters in some areas. Mariners are urged not to venture out to sea, especially small craft, due to the dangerous conditions.
Track and Intensity Outlook
Nika is expected to continue moving generally west-northwestward through the day, possibly making landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora by Monday morning. The typhoon is expected to weaken after crossing the landmass, emerging over the sea west of Ilocos Sur later in the evening. It will then move westward over the West Philippine Sea before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday.
Preparations and Evacuations
In anticipation of the typhoon’s impacts, local government units in affected regions have been ordered to conduct preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed mayors and governors in Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, and the Cordillera Administrative Region to prioritize evacuations.
Suspension of Classes and Traffic Measures
Classes have been suspended in various provinces due to the adverse weather. Additionally, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced the suspension of the expanded number coding scheme for Monday, November 11, to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital.
Public Advisory
PAGASA urges the public to stay updated on the latest weather advisories and take necessary precautions to safeguard life and property. Authorities have also recommended that disaster response teams remain on alert, especially in areas under higher storm signals.
The next update on Typhoon Nika will be released by PAGASA at 8 a.m. today.