PAGASA raises Signal No. 1 in 14 areas due to Typhoon Marce

Metro Manila, Philippines – Typhoon Marce (international name: Yinxing) continued to intensify over waters off Isabela, prompting government meteorologists to raise the lowest storm alert in 14 areas in Luzon on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 5.

State weather specialist Veronica Torres also warned in a briefing: "Babagal ito (‘Marce’) habang papalapit sa ating bansa at yong peak intensity nito ay habang ito ay mabagal. Dapat doble ingat sa ating mga kababayan lalo dahil posible nga ‘yong malalakas na hangin at malalakas na pag-ulan.”

[Translation: ‘Marce’ is set to slow down as it comes closer to the country, reaching its peak intensity. Please observe caution because strong winds and rains are possible.]

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 1 in the following:

+ Batanes

+ Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

+ Ilocos Norte

+ Ilocos Sur

+ Apayao

+ Abra

+ Kalinga

+ Mountain Province

+ Ifugao

+ Northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Atok, Bokod)

+ Isabela

+ Nueva Vizcaya

+ Quirino

+ Northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora)

“The highest wind Signal which may be hoisted during the occurrence of Marce is Wind Signal No. 4,” PAGASA said.

Moderate to heavy rains are expected over Cagayan on Tuesday.

Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms may be experienced over Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon, and Bicol region due to “Marce.” Its trough, or the storm’s extension, will bring the same weather pattern to Mindanao.

PAGASA warned of strong to gale-force gusts in the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Aurora, Quezon, and Camarines Norte, particularly in coastal and upland areas without natural wind barriers.

It said the typhoon was last spotted 480 kilometers (km) east of Echague, Isabela, with peak winds of 130 km per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 160 kph.

Moving west northwest at 25 kph, the weather bulletin stated that “Marce” may hit land or pass close to the Babuyan Islands or the northern tip of mainland Cagayan on Thursday afternoon or evening.

It is seen exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday afternoon or evening.