Credits:ABS CBN News
Tropical cyclone Carina has intensified into a tropical storm, the state weather bureau PAGASA announced on Saturday.
As of 10 p.m., the center of Carina was located 545 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora. The storm is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts reaching up to 80 kph. Carina continues to move west-northwestward at a speed of 20 kph, extending strong to gale-force winds up to 320 kilometers from its center.
PAGASA forecasts that Carina will continue moving generally northwestward until Monday while gradually decelerating. The storm may intensify further, potentially becoming a severe tropical storm by Monday.
Carina is expected to bring 50-100 mm of rainfall to the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan and the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands. Rainfall is expected to be higher in elevated or mountainous areas.
The weather bureau has warned that these conditions could lead to flooding and rain-induced landslides, particularly in areas prone to such hazards.
“Furthermore, the enhanced Southwest Monsoon will bring moderate to intense rainfall over various localities in the western portion of Luzon from tomorrow through Tuesday,” PAGASA added.
Despite its intensity, Carina is expected to remain far from the Philippine landmass and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.