Manila: The low-pressure area (LPA) east of southeastern Luzon has developed into Tropical Depression (TD) Nika, as reported in the 11 a.m. bulletin by the state weather bureau, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Catanduanes province is now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
According to Philippines News Agency, TD Nika is projected to potentially make landfall over Isabela or Aurora by Monday. The tropical depression is expected to move generally west northwestward during the forecast period. Despite the specific landfall point, areas outside of this zone may still experience hazardous conditions.
PAGASA predicts that the tropical cyclone will gradually intensify, potentially reaching the severe tropical storm category by Monday morning, just before landfall. While some weakening is anticipated as it interacts with the terrain of mainland Luzon, it is expected to maintain its status as a severe tropical storm.
The provinces of Cagayan, Apayao, and
Isabela are forecast to experience intense to torrential rainfall on Monday and Tuesday. Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Aurora are expected to face heavy to intense rainfall during the same period.
As of the latest update, the center of TD Nika was located approximately 1,145 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon.
