Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Moderate to heavy rains are expected in the Bicol region along with Southern Luzon, Mimaropa, and Metro Manila over the weekend, starting Christmas eve until Monday, December 26.
Weather agency PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) said tropical storm Nock-Ten has emerged from what was earlier a low pressure area that the agency was monitoring.
“Nock-Ten” is the storm’s international name and it will be called “Nina” when it enters the Philippine area of responsibility Thursday night, December 22.
As of 8 a.m., the tropical storm was spotted 1,450 kilometers east of Mindanao, moving west northwest at a speed of 23 km/hr, with strength at 65 km/hr.
Tropical storm “Nina” is expected to make landfall in the Bicol region, either by the evening of December 24 or early morning of December 25, according to Mina Marasigan, spokesperson of the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).
The tropical storm will affect the Bicol region, Calabarzon area, Mimaropa, Samar, Metro Manila, and Bataan, and exit through Batangas or Cavite on December 26 or 27.
Marasigan reminds the public to stay safe and vigilant, even as they celebrate the holidays, especially those who will be travelling by sea.
The NDRRMC spokesperson also warns residents in affected areas to prepare for possible landslides, flash floods, and evacuation.
