'Nando' on track to reach super typhoon strength, Northern Luzon at risk

National

NANDO, now a tropical storm, is expected to pack a stronger punch in the coming days, with forecasters warning that Signal No. 5—the country’s highest cyclone alert—may be raised over Northern Luzon.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Nando may strengthen into a typhoon this weekend and reach super typhoon intensity by early next week.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the storm was located 905 kilometers east of Central Luzon, carrying maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 105 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 10 kph. While no tropical cyclone wind signals had been raised as of Friday, PAGASA said Signal No. 1 could be issued over Northern Luzon today.

Based on its projected path, Nando may pass close to or make landfall over the Babuyan Islands between Monday afternoon and early Tuesday morning before leaving the Philippine area of responsibility later that day.

The storm is also expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring heavy rains beginning Sunday over CALABARZON, the Bicol Region, the Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Caraga. Gusty conditions may already be felt in Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Caraga today.

PAGASA’s forecast also showed cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar due to the enhanced monsoon.

Forecasters warned of possible flash floods and landslides from moderate to heavy rainfall. Metro Manila, Ilocos, Cordillera, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, the rest of the Visayas, the rest of Bicol, as well as Zambales and Bataan, are expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. The rest of the country may see localized thunderstorms.

Sea conditions are projected to deteriorate gradually as Nando draws nearer. PAGASA said the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon will have moderate winds from northeast to northwest, with seas of up to 2.1 meters.

Southern Luzon and the eastern part of the Visayas will have light to moderate winds from the southwest to west, with seas of up to 1.8 meters. Elsewhere, coastal waters will remain slight to moderate for now. However, seas around Luzon may become rough to very rough, with wave heights possibly reaching 14 meters near extreme Northern Luzon.

A storm surge warning may also be issued over coastal areas of Northern Luzon.

Government agencies are on heightened alert ahead of the storm. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned over 2.6 million family food packs and other relief items in strategic locations nationwide to ensure quick distribution if needed.(MyTVCebu)