Super Typhoon Nando (international name Ragasa) continues to weaken as it moves closer to leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), according to the latest advisory from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
At 4:00 AM, the eye of Nando was located 265 kilometers west of Calayan, Cagayan. It now packs maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center with gusts reaching 230 km/h, while moving westward at 20 km/h.
Storm Signals Still Raised
Despite weakening, PAGASA said several areas in Northern Luzon remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS):
Signal No. 3: Ilocos Norte, northwestern Apayao, northwestern mainland Cagayan (Sanchez-Mira, Sta. Praxedes, Claveria), and parts of the Babuyan Islands.
Signal No. 2: Batanes, the rest of the Babuyan Islands, northern and central Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Ilocos Sur, northern La Union, and parts of Mountain Province and Benguet.
Signal No. 1: Remaining parts of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, and nearby provinces.
PAGASA warned that winds in coastal and upland areas may be stronger than forecast, with moderate to significant threats to life and property in Signal No. 3 zones.
Heavy Rains, Track and Outlook
Even as the typhoon moves away, its trough and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) are expected to bring heavy rains and gusty winds across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol, MIMAROPA, and the Visayas today.
By Wednesday, monsoon rains may continue to affect parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with conditions persisting over western areas through Thursday.
Nando is forecast to exit PAR this morning before tracking westward toward southern China. It is expected to continue weakening over the West Philippine Sea due to less favorable conditions.
PAGASA urged residents, especially in hazard-prone areas, to stay alert and follow evacuation advisories from local officials. The next official bulletin will be issued at 11:00 AM today.
