Photo credit: DOST_Pagasa

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA — As of 11:00 a.m. today, the Philippines is dealing with two tropical depressions, but the focus is shifting. Tropical Depression Mirasol has now accelerated and exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), but a new and potentially much more powerful storm, Nando, is now taking the spotlight.

MIRASOL EXITS, LEAVING LINGERING EFFECTS

Tropical Depression Mirasol was last located approximately 395 kilometers west of Calayan, Cagayan, and is moving at a swift 35 km/h. It is on a track toward southern China, where it is expected to intensify into a tropical storm before making landfall on Saturday. While it's no longer a direct concern, its presence earlier in the week has already had an impact, and both it and the more distant Nando are enhancing the Southwest Monsoon, or habagat.

NANDO'S INTENSIFICATION PUSHES POTENTIAL TO SUPER TYPHOON

While we can now breathe a sigh of relief as Mirasol is out of the picture, Tropical Depression Nando is shaping up to be a completely different and more serious threat. PAGASA is closely monitoring Nando as it maintains its strength over the Philippine Sea. Officials are warning that the storm is forecast to intensify significantly, potentially reaching typhoon category by Saturday. Furthermore, the possibility of it strengthening even further into a super typhoon as it approaches Extreme Northern Luzon is not being ruled out.

HAZARDS AFFECTING THE COUNTRY

This twin-threat situation has already resulted in some hazardous conditions. The Southwest Monsoon, enhanced by both tropical depressions, is bringing strong to gale-force gusts to several areas today, including Metro Manila, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Benguet, MIMAROPA, Quezon, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas. These windy conditions will shift over the next couple of days, affecting the Ilocos Region and parts of Western Visayas.

For mariners, the seas are becoming rough. The eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan and the coastal waters of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the Ilocos provinces are experiencing moderate seas with waves of up to 2.0 meters. As a precaution, operators of smaller vessels are advised to remain in port if possible.

TRACK AND OUTLOOK

The slow, steady movement of Nando over the Philippine Sea is giving it ample time to gather strength. The center of the storm was last estimated at 1,335 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon. Its slow pace and current position mean it is not expected to directly impact the country's weather in the next 48 hours. However, the potential for heavy rainfall from the combined effects of "Nando" and the Southwest Monsoon is a distinct possibility by Sunday or Monday.

This is a developing situation, and with Nando's potential to become a super typhoon, residents in Northern Luzon should begin preparations. PAGASA will likely raise Wind Signal No. 1 as early as Saturday, and the highest possible Wind Signal, No. 5, may be hoisted as the storm gets closer.