MANILA, Philippines – The low pressure area (LPA) east of southeastern Luzon has developed into tropical depression (TD) 'Nika'.
According to state weather bureau PAGASA's 11 a.m. bulletin on Saturday, November 9, 2024, the center of Bagyong Nika was estimated based on all available data at 1,145 km east of Southeastern Luzon.
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| Satellite image of Tropical Depression Nika as of 11:00 am, November 9, 2024. Photo courtesy: DOST-PAGASA |
'Nika' has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 70 km/h, and central pressure of 1004 hPa.
It is moving westward at 30 km/h.
TROPICAL CYCLONE WIND SIGNALS (TCWS) IN EFFECT
Signal No. 1 was hoisted in Catanduanes.
The highest Wind Signal which may be hoisted during the occurrence of Nika is Wind Signal No. 3, according to PAGASA.
TRACK AND INTENSITY OUTLOOK
'Bagyong Nika' is forecast to move generally west northwestward throughout the forecast period.
On the track forecast, it may make landfall over Isabela or Aurora on Monday (November 11).
Regardless of the position of the landfall point, it must be emphasized that hazards may still be experienced in areas outside the landfall point or forecast confidence cone.
This tropical cyclone is forecast to gradually intensify and may reach severe tropical storm category by Monday morning prior to landfall. Weakening is expected during its passage due to interaction with the terrain of mainland Luzon, but 'Nika' will remain as a severe tropical storm.
TROPICAL CYCLONES THIS YEAR
'Bagyong Nika' is the Philippines' 14th tropical cyclone for 2024. It has developed into a Tropical Depression on Saturday morning.
On average, there are 20 tropical cyclones that could form or enter the PAR each year. Only half of those are projected to make landfall.
READ: LIST: PAGASA releases Philippine Typhoon names in 2024
— The Summit Express
