MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm "Kiyapo" slightly intensified as it approached northern Cagayan, strengthening the southwest monsoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
In its 11 a.m.bulletin, the center of Kiyapo was last seen at 135 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, moving westward at 30 kilometers per hour (kph)
"Kiyapo" has maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and has gustiness of up to 90 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is up in Batanes, the northern portion of Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira, Claveria, Santa Praxedes, Buguey, Allacapan, Lal-Lo, Gattaran, Baggao, Lasam) including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Apayao (Luna, Santa Marcela, Calanasan, Pudtol, Flora), and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Adams, Bangui, Burgos, Vintar).
They can expect winds greater than 62 kph and up to 88 kph in the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is up over the rest of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union, and the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao),
Areas under Signal No. 1 should expect winds of 39-61 kph and intermittent rains in the next 36 hours.
Rainfall warnings have also been issued for parts of Northern Luzon with heavy rains affecting Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte from Friday until Saturday afternoon, while light to moderate rains expected in Isabela,, Abra, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Benguet, and La Union.
Pagasa said "Kiyapo" would continue to move west-northwestward until Saturday toward the Luzon Strait before turning northwestward to northward for the remaining forecast period.
It also said that its center may pass close to the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan and then pass very close or make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands between this afternoon and evening.
"Kiyapo" is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday morning but is expected to intensify into a Severe Tropical Storm once it passes Babuyan Islands.
