Tropical Storm Crising is maintaining its strength over the coastal waters of Calayan, Cagayan, as authorities issue wind signals and coastal inundation warnings for northern Luzon.
At 10 p.m. Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported the storm center over Calayan (19.4°N, 121.6°E). It moved northwest at 15 kph with sustained winds of 75 kph, gusts reaching 105 kph, and a central pressure of 990 hPa. Gale-force winds now stretch 550 km from the center.
Officials placed several provinces under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 today. This signal advises a 24‑hour warning lead time for wind speeds between 62 and 88 kph, posing minor to moderate risks to life and property. Areas include Batanes, Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra’s northern and central municipalities, eastern Mountain Province and Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and northern Ilocos Sur.
Meanwhile, Wind Signal No. 1 covers strong winds of 39 to 61 kph. It affects Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the remaining parts of Mountain Province and Ifugao, portions of Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, northern Pangasinan, northern Aurora, and northeastern Nueva Ecija. These regions received a 36‑hour lead notice with minimal to minor threats expected.
Wind threat and precautions
The wind signals highlight current and forecast conditions, including possible local enhancements in coastal and mountainous areas. Areas under Signal No. 2 may experience minor to moderate impact, while those under Signal No. 1 can expect less severe effects.
Meteorologists point to the Southwest Monsoon enhancing wind threat across several regions. Zambales, Bataan, CALABARZON, Bicol, MIMAROPA, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao saw strong to gale-force gusts today. Tomorrow, the same areas plus Metro Manila and Central Luzon remain at risk. On Sunday, the monsoon is set to sweep through Metro Manila, Ilocos, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and parts of Visayas.
Heavy rainfall outloo
PAGASA referred to its Weather Advisory No. 14, warning that Crising and the Southwest Monsoon will bring intense rain over affected areas. Flash flooding and landslides are possible, especially in mountainous regions.
Coastal and maritime impact
Low-lying coastal areas of Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur face a 1.0 to 2.0‑meter storm surge threat, per Storm Surge Warning No. 8. Residents and local authorities have been urged to prepare for potential flooding.
Meanwhile, gale warnings extend across the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon, with seas reaching very rough to rough levels. Coastal waters around Batanes and Babuyan Islands see waves up to 6 m. The northern Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, and Isabela waters rise to 4.5 m. Mariners are strongly advised to stay in port or seek shelter. Vessels underway should secure safe harbor immediately.
Seas of up to 3.5 m are expected off Zambales, Bataan, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Guimaras. Other coastal zones in Visayas and Mindanao may see waves between 2.0 and 3.5 m. Small-craft operators are urged to avoid venturing out.
Track and intensity update
PAGASA predicts Crising will continue moving west-northwest over Extreme Northern Luzon. Models suggest landfall on Babuyan Islands is now unlikely. The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by tomorrow morning.
Weather experts note Crising will intensify into a severe tropical storm tomorrow evening or overnight into Sunday morning. This strengthening trend means wind and rain threats will escalate as the system nears land.
Community and disaster response
Local disaster offices and communities have been notified to take all necessary precautions. Residents in high-risk areas are advised to prepare for possible evacuation. Officials emphasize securing roofs, outdoor property, and evacuation pathways.
They also encourage the public to closely monitor updates from PAGASA, including rainfall advisories and thunderstorm warnings. Information will be updated as the system evolves.
Key precaution checklist
Stay alert in coastal towns under surge warnings. Cut off power supply to flooded areas. Keep emergency kits ready. Stay off roads during heavy rain to avoid landslide zones. Mobile networks and government hotlines remain available for urgent communication.
Ongoing monitoring and next bulletin
PAGASA will issue the next Tropical Cyclone Bulletin at 2 a.m. The agency advises media and local authorities to stay ready and disseminate updates promptly.
As Crising moves west, attention shifts to how rapidly it will intensify over land. Northern Luzon now faces a sharp rise in danger from wind, waves, and water—and the storm’s next move will determine the scale of impact.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.