Karding intensifies into tropical storm

Tropical Depression Karding intensified into a tropical storm category at 2 p.m on Thursday, PAGASA said.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau said that Karding is forecast to continue to intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm category prior to its landfall.

“Current track and intensity forecast shows that there is a high likelihood that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals will be hoisted over Northern Luzon and some portions of Central Luzon,” it said.

“The highest possible wind signal that may be hoisted is TCWS #3. Localities situated in the eastern portions of Northern and Central Luzon may be placed under TCWS #1 as early as Friday evening or Saturday early morning,” it added.

Heavy rainfall

PAGASA said that Karding's passage may bring heavy rains over northern Luzon and Central Luzon beginning late Saturday or Sunday morning.

Residents were warned of possible isolated to scattered flooding (including flash floods) and rain-induced landslides in areas prone to these hazards.

Moreover, Karding may also bring moderate to rough seas ranging from 1.2 meters to 3.8 meters over the seaboards of northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon beginning Sunday.

Such conditions may be risky for those using small seacraft. Mariners are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and continue monitoring for updates, PAGASA added.

Expected landfall

According to PAGASA, Karding will begin to move slowly westward on Thursday late afternoon or evening.

The tropical cyclone is also forecast to maintain its westward movement while accelerating until it makes landfall in the vicinity of the east coast of Isabela or Cagayan on Sunday.

Afterwards, the center of Karding will traverse the rugged terrain of northern Luzon before emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Monday, the state weather bureau said.

As of 4 p.m., Karding was located 1,320 km east of Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h. It is moving north northwestward slowly. — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News