In its latest 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA reported that Kristine was last located 390 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 80 kph. The storm is moving westward at 15 kph and is expected to intensify further as it approaches the country’s landmass.
Landfall Expected by Wednesday
Kristine is forecasted to strengthen into a severe tropical storm by Wednesday, October 23, and make landfall over Isabela province by Wednesday evening. The weather bureau has not ruled out the possibility of rapid intensification, with Kristine potentially developing into a typhoon as it crosses the Philippine Sea.
"Given the favorable environmental conditions, rapid intensification is possible while the storm remains over the sea," PAGASA said.
The storm is expected to continue moving northwestward until Thursday, October 24, before turning westward. Kristine is projected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening, October 25.
Signal No. 1 Areas
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised in the following areas:
Luzon:
- Mainland Cagayan (portions of Piat, Santo Niño, Lal-Lo, Tuguegarao City, and more)
- Isabela
- Quirino
- Nueva Vizcaya (southern part)
- Aurora
- Portions of Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, including Polillo Islands
- Bicol Region (Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon)
- Masbate, including Ticao and Burias Islands
Visayas:
- Eastern Samar
- Northern Samar
- Leyte
- Biliran
Mindanao:
- Dinagat Islands
- Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande
Residents in these areas should expect moderate to strong winds, along with heavy rainfall that could lead to floods and landslides in low-lying areas and near riverbanks.
Gale Warning Issued for Coastal Areas
A gale warning has been issued for the eastern seaboards of Luzon and the Visayas, with waves as high as 6.5 meters expected. The coastal waters off Isabela, Bicol Region, Aurora, Northern Samar, and several other provinces are at risk of rough seas. PAGASA has advised all vessels to avoid sea travel in these regions until conditions improve.
“Sea travel is risky, especially for small vessels. Mariners are advised to seek shelter or avoid heading out to sea until the situation becomes safer,” PAGASA warned.
Preparedness Measures in Place
Local government units in affected areas have already begun implementing precautionary measures, including preparing evacuation centers and issuing safety reminders to residents in vulnerable communities. The public is urged to remain vigilant and follow updates from PAGASA as the storm progresses.
Authorities remind the public to secure homes, charge electronic devices, and prepare emergency kits with food, water, and essential supplies in anticipation of possible power outages and disruptions.
For real-time updates, follow PAGASA’s official channels and monitor local news outlets.
Stay safe, everyone!
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