Metro Manila, Philippines – Authorities said “Nando” could reach typhoon category by Saturday, Sept. 20, as it gains strength at sea.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin on Thursday, Sept. 18, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the effects of “Nando” may be encountered in the coming days.
“Onset of heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon and Nando is possible by Sunday (21 September) or Monday (22 September),” PAGASA said.
PAGASA said it may raise Signal No. 1 over northern Luzon as early as Saturday.
“[T]he highest wind signal that may be hoisted throughout its passage is Wind Signal No. 5 considering that this tropical cyclone has a possibility to reach super typhoon category,” the weather bureau said.
“Nando” was last seen at 1,260 kilometers (km) east of central Luzon, with center winds of 55 km per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 70 kph.
The latest forecast showed “Nando” may pass close or hit land in the Babuyan Islands by next week.
“Wag magpakampante ‘yong mga ibang lugar sa Pilipinas dahil ang tinitingnan natin, mas malakas ang ‘Nando,’” Office of Civil Defense spokesperson Junie Castillo said in an interview with government station PTV’s “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.”
“Mas hihilain nito ang southwest monsoon, maapektuhan din po pati Visayas at ilang areas sa Mindanao,” he added.
[Translation: The public should not be complacent because we see the possible strength of “Nando.” It will strengthen the southwest monsoon, which could affect the Visayas and other areas in Mindanao.]
“Mirasol,” which exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday, has intensified into a tropical storm as it heads towards China.
Castillo said over 200 families have been affected by “Mirasol.”
Meanwhile, PAGASA said Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte will have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.
