MANILA - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 over several areas as Typhoon Tino continues to gain strength and move closer to typhoon category.
Rapid Intensification Underway
Typhoon Tino, currently packing maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 150 km/h, is showing signs of further intensification. Weather experts warn the storm could reach Category 2 status within the next 24 hours as it maintains its northwestward trajectory.
Areas Under Signal No. 3
The following areas are now under TCWS No. 3, experiencing damaging gale-force winds:
- Southern portion of Isabela
- Southern portion of Aurora
- Quirino
- Nueva Vizcaya
Expanded Warning Signals
Signal No. 2 remains hoisted over multiple provinces including:
- Cagayan
- Isabela
- Aurora
- Nueva Ecija
- Benguet
- Ifugao
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 covers an even broader area, affecting regions from Northern Luzon to parts of Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Emergency Preparations Intensify
Local government units across affected regions have activated their emergency response teams. Evacuation centers are being prepared in flood-prone and landslide-susceptible areas as heavy to intense rainfall is expected within Tino's diameter.
Maritime Travel Suspended
The Philippine Coast Guard has suspended sea travel in several ports, stranding hundreds of passengers. Fishing boats and other small sea vessels are advised to remain in port as rough to very rough sea conditions prevail.
Projected Path and Timeline
According to PAGASA's latest bulletin, Typhoon Tino is forecast to:
- Continue moving northwestward toward the Babuyan Islands
- Maintain its current intensity with possible strengthening
- Bring heavy rainfall until Thursday morning
- Gradually weaken after land interaction
Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor official updates, prepare emergency kits, and follow evacuation orders from local authorities. The public should avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors during the storm's passage.
