Baguio: Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, internationally known as Trami, continues to intensify as it sweeps over parts of the Cordillera region, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to maintain Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 in several areas. The storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour and gustiness up to 160 kilometers per hour, is currently located near Bauko, Mountain Province.
According to Philippines News Agency, Signal No. 3 affects Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, northern Nueva Vizcaya, southern Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, where storm-force winds are expected to prevail. Meanwhile, areas under Signal No. 2, including Cagayan, Isabela, and other provinces, are experiencing gale-force winds. Strong winds are also forecasted in regions under Signal No. 1, spanning from Batanes to parts of Samar.
In addition to strong winds, PAGASA has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Batangas, predicting signific
ant flooding in vulnerable areas. The threat of flooding extends to parts of Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon, as well as Metro Manila, Rizal, and Bataan. Affected communities are urged to remain vigilant and heed local advisories.
Furthermore, a gale warning is in effect over the seaboards of Luzon and central Visayas, making sea travel perilous for all types of vessels. PAGASA forecasts that Kristine will move off the Luzon landmass and into the waters west of the Ilocos region by Thursday afternoon, potentially altering weather conditions in the area.