Kiyapo intensifies into Tropical Storm, Signal No. 2 raised over three areas — PAGASA

Kiyapo has intensified into a Tropical Storm as it moves closer towards extreme Northern Luzon and as Signal No. 2 is raised over three areas, according to the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin posted by PAGASA.

The center of Tropical Storm Kiyapo was estimated at 820 kilometers east of Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 80 km/h, and moving west northwestward at the speed of 30 km/h.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is raised over the following areas:

Luzon

• Batanes
• the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira, Claveria, Santa Praxedes) including Babuyan Islands
• the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud)

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

Luzon

• the rest of mainland Cagayan
• Isabela
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Quirino
• Apayao
• Abra
• Kalinga
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Benguet
• the rest of Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao)

Heavy Rainfall Outlook

Heavy rainfall outlook due to Tropical Cyclone Kiyapo with 100-200 mm over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte and 50-100 mm over Isabela, Abra, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Benguet, and La Union.

Heavy rainfall outlook due to Southwest Monsoon with moderate to heavy rain at 50-100 mm over Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental.

Severe Winds

PAGASA said minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 2 and minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1.

The Southwest Monsoon and the periphery of Kiyapo will bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of the country, especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds).

Hazards affecting coastal waters

A Gale Warning is in effect over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon.

Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. All mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor as soon as possible until winds and waves subside.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Tropical Storm Kiyapo will continue moving west northwestward until Friday towards the Luzon Strait before turning northwestward to northward for the remaining forecast period.

"On the forecast track, the center of KIYAPO may pass close to the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan between this morning and afternoon, then pass very close or make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands between this afternoon and evening. It is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow morning," the weather bureau said.

Kiyapo will continue to intensify while traversing extreme Northern Luzon and may be upgraded into a severe tropical storm after passing the Babuyan Islands.

"While moving over the West Philippine Sea, it may undergo rapid intensification and reach typhoon category before making landfall over southern mainland China. Afterwards, Kiyapo is expected to weaken as it moves inland and interacts with the surrounding terrain," PAGASA said. — BAP, GMA News