Tropical Depression “Kristine” (international name: Trami) slightly intensified over the sea east of Quezon Province, the state weather bureau said on Wednesday.
PAGASA in a 5 a.m. weather bulletin said that “Kristine” is moving west northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour, carrying peak winds of 85 kph and gusts of up to 105 kph.
Its center was last estimated at 340 km east of Infanta, Quezon, 180 km North Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.
The weather disturbance is forecast to move generally northwestward for the next 24 hours before turning generally westward for the rest of the forecast period.
Tropical storm “Kristine” can potentially make landfall over Isabela or Northern Aurora this evening or Thursday early morning, and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday evening.
According to PAGASA, “Kristine” will cross the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon and emerge over the waters west of Ilocos Region tomorrow afternoon.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been raised over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, the northern portion of Zambales, the northern portion of Bulacan, Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, the northern and eastern portions of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, the eastern portion of Albay, the eastern portion of Sorsogon, the northeastern portion of Northern Samar, and the northern portion of Eastern Samar.
Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is hoisted over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Pampanga, the rest of Zambales, Bataan, the rest of Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, the rest of Quezon, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Calamian Islands, the rest of Camarines Sur, the rest of Albay, the rest of Sorsogon, Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, Calamian Islands, Aklan, Capiz, Antique including Caluya Islands, Iloilo, Guinaras, the northern portion of Negros Occidental, the northern and central portions of Cebu, Bantayan Islands and Camotes Islands, Bohol, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte including Siargao – Bucas Grande Group.
“Kristine” is expected to reach severe tropical storm status before reaching Isabela, slightly weakening while crossing Northern Luzon, and may re-intensify again over the West Philippine Sea.
“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” PAGASA said.
