Kiko continues to intensify; Signal No. 1 raised over Cagayan, Isabela

Typhoon Kiko resumes its intensification over the Philippine Sea east of central Luzon, according to the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin posted by PAGASA early Thursday morning.

As of 4 a..m., the center of the eye of Typhoon Kiko was located at 785 kilometers East of Baler, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 230 kph, central pressure of 935 hPa, and moving westward at a speed of 20 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is hoisted over the following areas:

• the eastern portion of Cagayan (Buguey, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, Santa Ana, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca)
• the northeastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, San Pablo, Cabagan, Palanan)

Heavy to intense rains with at times torrential rains are expected on Friday over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands and northern Isabela.

Batanes and the rest of Isabela, meanwhile, will experience moderate to heavy with at times intense rains.

The weather bureau added that the possibility that scattered to widespread flooding including flash floods and rain-induced landslides may occur especially areas highly or very highly susceptible to these hazard as identified in hazard maps.

Strong breeze to near gale strength with strong winds with occasional gusts will be experienced over areas under TCWS No. 1 causing light damage to structures and vegetation.

Based on the latest track and intensity forecast, PAGASA reported, TCWS No. 4 remains the highest wind signal that will be hoisted for this typhoon.

HAZARDS AFFECTING COASTAL WATERS

In the next 24 hours, moderate to very rough seas that may cause rough to very rough seas will prevail over the eastern seaboard of northern Luzon.

Sea travel is risky for most sea vessels over these waters. Mariners without the proper experience should immediately seek safe harbor. Conditions may worsen on Friday so sea travel would be risky for all types of seacrafts.

TRACK AND INTENSITY OUTLOOK

Typhoon Kiko is forecast to move west northwestward or northwestward on Friday through Saturday and pass very close to northeastern Cagayan and cross the vicinity of Babuyan Islands by Saturday.

Kiko is forecast to continue intensifying and may reach a peak intensity between 185 and 205 kph by Friday evening while passing close to mainland northern Luzon and over the Babuyan Islands and weaken by Sunday. -- BAP, GMA News