CAGAYAN, Philippines — Typhoon Marce made landfall in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, at 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of the latest bulletin, PAGASA has issued Signal No. 4 in the northern portion of Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, as well as the northern parts of Apayao and Ilocos Norte. These areas are expected to experience extreme weather conditions, with winds reaching dangerous levels.
Typhoon's Path and Intensity
After hitting Sta. Ana, Marce is expected to move westward, briefly crossing Aparri Bay before making another landfall along the northwestern coast of mainland Cagayan. PAGASA has warned that the typhoon could strengthen to super typhoon status.
The storm is anticipated to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday afternoon or evening.
Warnings of Life-Threatening Conditions
PAGASA has issued strong warnings about the potential dangers of Marce, which is the 13th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year. Areas under Signal No. 4 are at significant risk, with life-threatening conditions expected due to typhoon-force winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.
“Regardless of the exact position of the typhoon’s center in the coming hours, residents of the Babuyan Islands and northern portions of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao should be prepared for potentially life-threatening conditions,” said PAGASA in its advisory.
Areas Affected by Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS)
As of 5 p.m. Thursday, the following areas are under the following Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS):
Signal No. 4:
- Northern Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands
- Northern Apayao
- Northern Ilocos Norte
Signal No. 3:
- Batanes
- The rest of Cagayan
- The rest of Apayao
- The rest of Ilocos Norte
- Northern Abra (Tineg, Danglas, Lagayan, Lacub, San Juan, La Paz, Bangued)
- Northern Ilocos Sur (Sinair, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo)
Signal No. 2:
- Northern and central Isabela (San Pablo, Santa Maria, Divilacan, Tumauini, Maconacon, Cabagan, Santo Tomas, Quezon, Palanan, Ilagan City, Mallig, Delfin Albano, Quirino, San Mariano, Gamu, Roxas, Naguilian, Burgos, Reina Mercedes, Benito Soliven, Luna, Aurora, San Manuel, San Mateo, Alicia, Angadanan, City of Cauayan, Cabatuan)
- The rest of Abra
- Kalinga
- Mountain Province
- Northern Ifugao (Alfonso Lista, Aguinaldo, Mayoyao, Banaue, Hungduan)
- Northern Benguet (Bakun, Mankayan)
- The rest of Ilocos Sur
- Northern La Union (Sudipen, Bangar, Balaoan, Luna, Santol)
Signal No. 1:
- The rest of La Union
- Pangasinan
- The rest of Ifugao
- The rest of Benguet
- The rest of Isabela
- Quirino
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Northern and central Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler)
- Northern Nueva Ecija (Carranglan)
- Northern Zambales (Santa Cruz, Candelaria)
Current Typhoon Details
At 5 p.m. Thursday, Typhoon Marce was reported to have maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h near its center, with gusts reaching up to 240 km/h. The typhoon is moving westward at a speed of 10 km/h. PAGASA continues to monitor the storm closely and urged residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders if necessary.