Manila: Marce, internationally known as Yinxing, has intensified into a typhoon, delivering maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness reaching up to 150 kph, as reported in the 11 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday by the weather bureau. The typhoon was positioned 590 km east of Baler, Aurora, at 10 a.m., with several areas still under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

According to Philippines News Agency, regions including Batanes, Cagayan along with Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, parts of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Aurora are experiencing strong winds. Moderate to heavy rains are expected over Cagayan, Batanes, and Apayao starting Tuesday afternoon, while strong to gale-force gusts continue across Ilocos Sur, Aurora, Quezon, and Camarines Norte.

Gale warnings remain in effect for the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon, making sea travel risky for vessels of all sizes, as advised by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysi
cal and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Marce is anticipated to make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands or the northern part of mainland Cagayan between Thursday night and Friday, potentially reaching peak intensity before landfall.

PAGASA forecaster Veronica Torres noted that Marce is likely to decelerate before making landfall, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to Eastern Northern Luzon. Torres also mentioned that the cyclone’s forecast track might alter, potentially affecting the mainland Cagayan-Isabela area.