Tropical depression “Karding” intensified into a tropical storm on Thursday at 2 p.m. and is projected to make landfall near the east coast of Isabela or Cagayan on Sunday.
The low-pressure area east of Central Luzon strengthened into a tropical cyclone at 8 a.m. yesterday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h, it was moving 10 kph north-northwestward.
Its center was estimated at 1,320 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.
The state weather bureau forecast it to maintain its westward movement while accelerating toward the northern provinces.
The center of Karding will traverse the rugged terrain of northern Luzon before emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Monday, it added.
The tropical storm is expected to continue to intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea and may reach Severe Tropical Storm category prior to its landfall.
The weather agency also warned residents that Karding could bring heavy rains over Northern and Central Luzon beginning late Saturday.
“Under these conditions, isolated to scattered flooding (including flash floods) and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps,” it said.
PAGASA also noted that there is a “high likelihood” that wind signal no. 1 will be hoisted over Northern Luzon and some portions of Central Luzon.
“Localities situated in the eastern portion of Northern Luzon may be placed under TCWS #1 as early as Friday evening or Saturday morning.”
Meanwhile, PAGASA said Metro Manila and the rest of the country could expect cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and localized thunderstorms.