Manila: Typhoon Marce, internationally known as Yinxing, has further intensified, posing significant threats to the Babuyan Islands and the northern mainland of Luzon, as reported by the weather bureau in its 11 a.m. update on Wednesday. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 and No. 2 will experience stormy conditions characterized by heavy rains and strong winds.

According to Philippines News Agency, PAGASA forecaster Chris Perez highlighted that heavy to intense rains are anticipated in Cagayan, with moderate to heavy rains expected in Batanes, Isabela, and Aurora. Perez cautioned that these rains could lead to flash floods or landslides, particularly in low-lying areas. As of 10 a.m., Marce was located 305 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness reaching up to 185 kph.

The regions under TCWS No. 3, including the northe
astern portion of mainland Cagayan, such as Santa Ana, will experience typhoon-force winds. Areas under TCWS No. 2, like Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and parts of mainland Cagayan and Apayao, will face gale-force winds. Meanwhile, regions under TCWS No. 1, which include Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and parts of Cagayan and Aurora, will experience strong winds.

The prevailing northeasterly wind flow is expected to continue bringing strong to gale-force gusts across most of the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera region, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan. PAGASA has also issued a warning regarding the moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges that could reach 2 to 3 meters above normal tide levels within the next 48 hours, affecting coastal areas in Batanes, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

With a gale warning still in place over the seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, sea travel remains risky for vessels of all types and tonnage. Ac
cording to PAGASA’s forecast, Typhoon Marce is expected to make landfall and traverse the Babuyan Islands or northern portions of mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao, or pass very close to these areas from Thursday to Friday. The typhoon is anticipated to reach its peak intensity on Wednesday before passing over the Babuyan Channel.