TROPICAL depression ‘Nika’, which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Saturday, is expected to strengthen gradually, potentially reaching severe tropical storm status by Monday before making landfall, according to weather service PAGASA.
In its 11 a.m. update, PAGASA reported that the northeasterly wind flow would bring strong to gale-force gusts across Batanes, northern Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands), and Ilocos Norte by Sunday.
Nika is forecasted to continue a west-northwest track, with a projected landfall over Isabela or Aurora on Monday.
“This tropical cyclone is forecast to gradually intensify and may reach severe tropical storm category by Monday (November 11) morning prior to landfall,” PAGASA stated.
The weather agency noted that while Nika may weaken as it traverses the mountainous terrain of mainland Luzon, it is expected to retain its severe tropical storm strength during much of its passage.
As of the latest data, Nika’s center was located approximately 1,145 km east of southeastern Luzon, moving westward at 30 kph, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near its center and gusts of up to 70 kph.