Tropical Cyclone 'Kiyapo' Strengthens to Tropical Storm, Approaches Northern Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Cyclone Kiyapo (international name: Noul) intensified into a tropical storm early Friday as it moved closer to Extreme Northern Luzon, with Signal No. 2 now in effect over parts of Northern Luzon. In its 5 a.m. bulletin on Friday, July 24, PAGASA said Kiyapo was estimated 345 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 80 kph and a central pressure of 998 hectopascals. Kiyapo is moving west northwestward at 30 kph. Wind signals. The following areas are under Signal No. 2: Under Signal No. 2, gale-force winds ranging from 62 to 88 kph may be experienced within 24 hours, posing a minor to moderate threat to life and property. Meanwhile, the following areas are under Signal No. 1: Under Signal No. 1, strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 kph may be experienced within 36 hours, posing minimal to minor threats to life and property. Strong winds. PAGASA said the southwest monsoon and the periphery of Kiyapo will bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of the country on Friday, especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds. On Saturday, July 25, gusty conditions are expected over most of Luzon and Visayas, as well as Zamboanga del Norte and Davao Oriental. By Sunday, July 26, strong to gale-force gusts may affect the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro and the Kalayaan Islands. Heavy rainfall. PAGASA said Kiyapo and the southwest monsoon will bring heavy rainfall over parts of the country. Due to Kiyapo, the following rainfall is forecast: Friday, July 24 Saturday, July 25 Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is forecast to bring: PAGASA warned that rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas. The weather bureau added that flooding and rain-induced landslides may be more likely in areas that have already experienced significant rainfall. Sea conditions. A gale warning is in effect over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon. Very rough seas with waves of up to 5.5 meters are expected over the seaboards of Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, while waves of up to 4.5 meters are forecast over the northern seaboards of mainland Cagayan and Ilocos Norte. Sea travel is risky for all types of vessels and mariners are advised to remain in port or seek shelter. Rough seas with waves of up to 3 meters are expected over the remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan and Ilocos Norte, as well as the eastern seaboard of Davao Oriental, where small seacraft, including motor bancas, are advised not to venture out. Moderate to rough seas with waves of up to 2.5 meters are forecast over the seaboards of Isabela and Surigao del Sur, while waves of up to 2 meters are expected over the seaboards of Ilocos Sur, Aurora, the Polillo Islands, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Cagayancillo Islands. PAGASA advised operators of motor bancas and similarly sized vessels to take precautionary measures and, if possible, avoid sailing in affected waters. Track, intensity. PAGASA said Kiyapo will continue moving west-northwestward until Saturday toward the Luzon Strait before turning northwestward to northward. The tropical storm may pass close to the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan between Friday morning and afternoon before passing very close to or making landfall in the vicinity of the Babuyan Islands between Friday afternoon and evening. Kiyapo is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning. PAGASA said Kiyapo is expected to continue intensifying and may become a severe tropical storm after passing the Babuyan Islands. While over the West Philippine Sea, it may rapidly intensify into a typhoon before making landfall over southern mainland China, where it is expected to weaken as it moves inland.