The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has advised residents in areas recently affected by cyclones Kristine and Leon to prepare for possible impacts from Tropical Storm Marce, internationally named Yinxing. Kristine and Leon, which struck the country in late October, resulted in the tragic loss of over 150 lives and extensive property damage across various regions.
As of 11 a.m. today, PAGASA reports that Marce has intensified slightly but remains classified as a tropical storm. It was last observed approximately 775 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, carrying maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h and gusts reaching up to 90 km/h. According to PAGASA weather forecaster Veronica Torres, Marce’s current trajectory overlaps the areas previously impacted by both Kristine and Leon, raising concerns for potential compounded effects on communities still recovering from the recent cyclones.
“Given Marce’s track, the areas it may affect are almost right in the middle of those impacted by Leon and Kristine, so residents in these regions should prepare,” Torres urged during a press briefing. PAGASA’s forecast indicates that Marce may strengthen into a severe tropical storm by tomorrow, November 5, and potentially escalate into a typhoon by late evening or early morning on Wednesday, November 6. Rapid intensification is considered likely, raising the possibility of Signal No. 1 being declared over Cagayan by tomorrow, with up to Signal No. 4 potentially being hoisted if Marce intensifies further.
According to PAGASA’s latest bulletin, Marce is projected to make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands or Mainland Northern Cagayan by late Thursday night or early Friday morning. With its trajectory, Marce’s effects are expected to be felt across Extreme Northern Luzon, Northern Luzon, and Central Luzon, potentially disrupting local activities and necessitating precautionary measures.
The agency further notes that as Marce moves closer, it may enhance the northeasterly wind flow. Combined with Marce’s influence, these winds could bring rain to Northern Luzon. Strong to gale-force gusts are also anticipated today in Batanes, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, and parts of Quezon.
PAGASA encourages the public to stay updated through regular weather bulletins and adhere to any advisories issued by local disaster authorities to ensure their safety as Marce approaches.