Weather disturbance “Karding” has intensified into a tropical storm (TS), the weather bureau said Thursday afternoon.
The TS now packed maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It was last tracked 1,320 km. east of Northern Luzon, slowly moving north northwestward.
No tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) was hoisted in any part of the country, but the bureau said there is a high likelihood that TCWS will be hoisted over Northern Luzon and some portions of Central Luzon.
“Karding” is forecast to bring heavy rains over Northern and Central Luzon beginning late Saturday or Sunday.
Under these conditions, isolated to scattered flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas highly susceptible to these hazards.
The TS may also cause moderate to rough seas over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon beginning Sunday, which may be risky for those using small seacraft.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) expects “Karding” to make landfall in the vicinity of the east coast of Isabela or Cagayan on Sunday. It may reach severe tropical storm category prior to its landfall.
“Karding” will likely emerge over the West Philippine Sea on Monday, PAGASA said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
