PAGASA cautions North Luzon residents ahead of Typhoon Marce’s landfall.
The state weather bureau, PAGASA, warned Northern Luzon residents to prepare for heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surge from Typhoon Marce. “We should prepare not only for the rains. As we can see from the forecast, Marce will intensify into a typhoon so before landfall, storm surge may be possible in Cagayan”, Office of the Deputy Administrator for Operations and Services officer-in-charge (OIC) Juanito Galang said in a press conference Monday.
Where is North Luzon?
It is the northern portion of the Philippine archipelago. It comprises three regions: of Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (including Metro Baguio) and the Cagayan Valley.
About Typhoon Marce
As of 10 a.m., the position of Tropical Storm Marce was 775 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. It has sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching 90 kph. The storm is moving west-northwest at a speed of 35 kph.
Marce (Yinxing) might strengthen into a typhoon as it moves over the Philippine Sea.
PAGASA indicates that parts of Northern Luzon could receive wind signals starting Tuesday because of the anticipated strong winds. The highest warning level is signal number 4.
Once Marce moves east of Northern Luzon, it will turn westward. It may make landfall over the Babuyan Islands on Friday. However, if the high-pressure area north of the storm strengthens, landfall could be more likely in Cagayan or Isabela.
The typhoon Marce is the 13th tropical cyclone for this year in Philippines.
Impact in regions other than North Luzon
Although Marce’s windfield is smaller than those of tropical cyclones Kristine and Leon, forecasters still warned residents outside the storm’s path to expect gusty winds and light to moderate rains. Weather Division OIC Chris Perez said, “Those living in areas far from the storm’s immediate path should be on alert as they can also experience gusty winds and light to moderate rains”.
Severe Tropical Storm Kristine caused heavy rains in Southern Luzon, even outside its direct path in Northern Luzon. Meanwhile, Super Typhoon Leon unleashed devastating winds that devastated Batanes.
Amihan Onset
Marce may trigger the start of the northeast monsoon, known locally as “amihan,” according PAGASA.
Amihan is the season of cold winds, typically associated with Christmas, which brings rains to the eastern part of the country.
The southwest monsoon, known as Habagat, officially ended on October 7.
