Kiko intensifies, threatens N. Luzon

Tropical Depression Kiko has maintained strength and now poses a threat to extreme Northern Luzon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that as of 4 p.m. yesterday, the center of Kiko was estimated at 270 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan.

With maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph, Kiko is forecast to move

north-northwest at 19 kph.

“Estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 300-km diameter of the tropical depression,” the PAGASA 5 p.m. bulletin said.

Kiko is expected to pass near extreme Northern Luzon and be close to Batanes this morning. It is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility later this evening or early morning tomorrow.

Tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 was raised over Northern Cagayan, including Batanes and the Babuyan Group of Islands. These areas will experience rains with gusty winds.

The state weather bureau likewise alerted residents in these areas against possible flashfloods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.

“Fisherfolk and those with small seacraft are advised not to venture out over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon due to the approaching tropical depression,” PAGASA added.

The rest of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Apayao and Abra will have cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains with thunderstorms.

“Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains with thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila, the rest of Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga and Northern Mindanao,” PAGASA noted.

Mimaropa, the rest of the Visayas and the rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers due to localized thunderstorms.