Tropical Storm Crising Updates: Northern Luzon Wind Signals Persist

Tropical Storm Crising, known internationally as Wipha, is now less likely to make landfall in the Babuyan Islands. The storm continues to move northwest, gradually exiting the Philippine area of responsibility, sources said Friday evening.

Currently, ten areas in Northern Luzon remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 due to strong winds. This key weather development alerts residents to prepare for gale-force winds expected within 24 hours.

Current Position and Movement

As of the 11:00 p.m. bulletin, Crising was last observed over the coastal waters near Calayan, Cagayan. It maintains maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour with gusts reaching up to 105 kph. The storm moves steadily northwest at a speed of 15 kph.

Pagasa noted, “On the forecast track, [Tropical Storm Crising] is now less likely to landfall over Babuyan Islands.” It is expected to continue moving west-northwest and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by the morning of July 19.

Storm Intensity and Forecast

Officials predict Crising will intensify to a Severe Tropical Storm by Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Residents are advised to stay alert and follow updates as the situation evolves.

Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

Currently, the following ten areas are under TCWS No. 2, indicating gale-force winds of 62 to 88 kph expected within 24 hours:

– Batanes
– Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
– Isabela
– Apayao
– Kalinga
– Northern and central portions of Abra (including Manabo, Pidigan, San Juan, Tayum, and others)
– Eastern portion of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis)
– Eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista)
– Ilocos Norte
– Northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Cabugao, Sinait, Magsingal, San Juan, and nearby areas)

Meanwhile, several areas remain under TCWS Signal No. 1, with expected strong winds of 39 to 61 kph within 36 hours. These include Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Mountain Province and Ifugao, the rest of Abra, Benguet, the rest of Ilocos Sur, La Union, parts of Pangasinan, Aurora, and northeastern Nueva Ecija.

Safety Precautions and Monitoring

Authorities urge residents in affected areas to prepare for possible strong winds and heavy rains. Continuous monitoring of weather updates and adherence to safety guidelines remain crucial as Tropical Storm Crising progresses.

Tropical Storm Crising Updates: Northern Luzon Wind Signals Persist