Karding maintains strength; storm signals expected Friday night

Tropical Storm Karding has maintained its strength as it continues to accelerate over the Philippine Sea, PAGASA said Friday.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals may be hoisted as early as Friday night over the eastern portions of Northern and Central Luzon in anticipation of winds of at least strong breeze to near gale strength associated with Karding.

Based on the latest track and intensity forecast, the most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is Wind Signal No. 2, PAGASA said, adding the potential for hoisting Wind Signal No.3 is not ruled out.

Karding is expected to track generally westward while gradually accelerating towards the east coast of Northern Luzon, where it is likely to make landfall on Sunday morning, PAGASA said.

It is forecast to gradually intensify within the period prior to landfall over Northern Luzon, and is likely to make landfall as a high-end tropical storm or a low-end severe tropical storm.

"Frictional effects of the rugged terrain of Northern Luzon may result in some slight weakening, although KARDING will most likely be at tropical storm category once it emerges over the West Philippine Sea," PAGASA said.

Cagayan ready

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Cagayan Vice Governor Boy Vargas said local government units (LGUs) in the province are prepared for Karding.

Vargas said the province is already familiar with the possible impact of tropical cyclones especially during the "ber" months.

“Sa ating naman pong mga barangays officials in particular, pati na rin po 'yung ating sa local government units in every municipalities, are prepared,” he said.

(Our barangay officials and local government units in every municipality are prepared.)

Vargas said evacuation centers and relief goods are in place in case residents will have to leave their homes due to floods.

Weather forecast

The Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, partly influenced by Karding, will possibly bring occasional rains beginning Sunday over most of Southern Luzon and Visayas, especially over the western sections, PAGASA said.
"Thus, the issuance of Weather Advisory for Southwest Monsoon is not ruled out," it said.

Moderate to rough seas (1.2 to 3.5 m) may be expected over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon by Saturday due to preceding northeasterlies.

On Sunday, Northern Luzon will continue to have moderate to rough seas and may begin prevailing over the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon (1.2 to 3.0 m) due to Karding.

"The condition may be risky for those using small seacraft," PAGASA said. "Mariners are advised to precautionary measures and if possible, avoid navigating during the said period."

As of 10 a.m. the center of Karding was estimated based on all available data at 1,085 km east of Northern Luzon.

Moving westward at 25 km/h, Karding has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h. —with Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News