Severe Tropical Storm Marce slightly strengthened overnight and is nearing typhoon intensity as it moves closer to Northern Luzon.
As of 4:00 a.m. today, November 5, it was located 735 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts up to 135 kph. Marce is moving northwest at 25 kph.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised Signal No. 1 over Batanes, Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands), northern and eastern Isabela, northern Apayao, and northern Ilocos Norte. Additional areas may be placed under wind signals as Marce approaches.
Marce is undergoing “rapid intensification” and is expected to reach typhoon strength on Tuesday, PAGASA said. It is forecast to continue its northwestward path through Wednesday morning before slowing and turning west toward Northern Luzon.
Marce could reach its peak strength before landfall over the Babuyan Islands or northern Cagayan late Thursday or early Friday. If a high-pressure area to the north intensifies, the storm’s path may shift toward the Cagayan-Isabela area.
Beginning Tuesday, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast in Cagayan, with heavy to torrential rains expected in Cagayan, Batanes, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte by Thursday, raising concerns of flooding and landslides. Small vessels are advised to avoid sailing in the waters off Northern Luzon due to rough to very rough seas.
Marce is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility late Friday or early Saturday.