Santa lucia: Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami, is currently positioned over the coastal waters of Ilocos Sur, presenting significant wind threats to various regions in Northern Luzon. Meanwhile, a low-pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility is anticipated to develop into a tropical cyclone, according to the national weather bureau.
According to Philippines News Agency, as of 4 p.m., Kristine was located near Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching up to 145 kilometers per hour. The areas of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3, indicating the presence of storm-force winds.
Gale-force winds are forecasted for regions under TCWS No. 2, which includes Cagayan with Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan
. Areas with TCWS No. 1, such as Batanes, Metro Manila, and other parts of Luzon and Visayas, are expected to experience strong winds.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge, with potential heights of 1 to 2 meters above normal tide levels expected in the next 48 hours. The affected areas include the coastal localities of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Zambales.
A gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Luzon and the western and central seaboards of the Visayas, making sea travel risky for vessels of all sizes. The storm is projected to move westward or west northwestward over the West Philippine Sea and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday.
In addition, PAGASA forecaster Veronica Torres reported a low-pressure area about 2,455 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, with a high likelihood of developing into a cyclone with
in 24 hours. The potential cyclone could move towards Northern Luzon or possibly recurve, though its forecast track remains uncertain due to its current distance from the country.