Signal No.1 now up over 3 areas as Kiko further intensifies —PAGASA

Three areas in Northern Luzon are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as Typhoon Kiko further intensified, state weather bureau PAGASA said on Thursday.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the following areas are under Signal No. 1:

• Cagayan including Babuyan Islands,
• the northeastern portion of Apayao (Luna, Pudtol, Flora, Santa Marcela),
• the northeastern portion of Isabela (Santa Maria, San Pablo, Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan)

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

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy with, at times, intense rains may be experienced over Batanes and the rest of Isabela.

Due to these, PAGASA warned of possible scattered to widespread flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides in areas prone to these hazards.

Winds up to near gale in strength with occasional gusts will be experienced within 36 hours in the areas under Signal No. 1.

“This may result to up to very light damage to structures and vegetation,” PAGASA said.

As Typhoon Kiko moves to extreme Northern Luzon, higher wind signals will be raised in some localities within the area, according to PAGASA.

Earlier in the day, PAGASA senior weather specialist Chris Perez they are not ruling out that Typhoon Kiko may intensify into a super typhoon.

Signal No. 4 remains the highest wind signal that will be hoisted for Kiko, PAGASA said.

Coastal inundation associated with high waves near the coast and storm surge of up to 2.0 m may hit several coastal municipalities in Northern Luzon.

Moderate to very rough seas of up to 2.8 meters initially and becoming rough to very rough seas  of up to 5.0 meters may be experienced 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,” PAGASA warned.

“Due to the strength of this tropical cyclone, sea conditions over the aforementioned waters will further worsen tomorrow, making sea travel risky for all types of seacrafts,” it added.

Moderate to rough seas of up to 2.8 meters are expected over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.

“Mariners of small seacrafts are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea,” PAGASA said.

“Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in these conditions,” it added.

At 10:00 a.m., Kiko was located at 670 km east of Baler, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h, gustiness of up to 240 km/h, and central pressure of 930 hPa.

It is moving westward at 20 km/h.

According to PAGASA, Kiko is seen to move west northwestward in the next 12 hours before turning generally northwestward until Saturday, with periods of short-term wobbling in its movement.

It will pass very close to northeastern Cagayan and cross the vicinity of Babuyan Islands

Between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, it will pass to the south and west of Batanes.

Kiko may make a landfall over mainland Cagayan and traverse the Babuyan Islands and Luzon Strait.

The typhoon is forecast to intensify more and may reach a peak intensity between 185 and 205 km/h on Thursday night or Friday morning before passing the mainland northern Luzon and the Babuyan Islands.

“Weakening is forecast to begin by Friday evening or Saturday while the typhoon is traversing the Babuyan Islands and Luzon Strait,” it added.—AOL, GMA News