Photo credit: Dost_Pagasa

It’s that time again when we turn our attention to the skies and keep an eye on Tropical Storm “Marce,” which has just gained a little strength as it makes its way across the Philippine Sea. Here's what you need to know about this storm and how it could affect your week.

What's Happening with "Marce"?

As of 11:00 AM today, November 4, 2024, Marce is moving west-northwest at about 35 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h and gusts reaching up to 90 km/h. It's currently situated around 775 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Meteorologists expect it to continue intensifying, possibly reaching severe tropical storm status by tomorrow (November 5) and even potentially turning into a typhoon by Wednesday.

Rain, Rain, Go Away?

One of the major concerns with Marce is the heavy rainfall expected over the next few days. As it continues its northwestward journey, the storm will enhance the northeasterly wind flow, leading to rain in Extreme Northern Luzon and eastern Luzon starting today or tomorrow. The weather advisory might be issued soon, so stay tuned!

Areas to Watch:
- Today: Expect rain in the northern regions.
- Tomorrow (November 5): Heavy rains are likely in the northern parts of Cagayan, Isabela, and parts of Quezon.
- Wednesday (November 6): Widespread rain in Ilocos Region, Quezon, and parts of Bicol.

Strong Winds Ahead

Along with the rain, strong winds are also on the horizon. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised for Cagayan by tomorrow. There could even be winds strong enough to warrant Signal No. 4 in some areas, so be prepared for potentially severe conditions.

Affected Areas Include:
- Today: Batanes, Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Ilocos Norte, Aurora, and northern Quezon.
- Tomorrow: The same regions, with a few more areas added like Ilocos Sur and Camarines Norte.
- Wednesday: Expect strong winds across Ilocos, Quezon, and parts of Bicol.

Stay Safe on the Water

If you’re planning to head out to sea, now is the time to be cautious. The coastal waters around Batanes could see waves up to 3.5 meters high, while other areas could experience rough seas as well. Small vessels are strongly advised to stay in port, especially if they’re not well-equipped or experienced.

What’s Next for "Marce"?

Looking ahead, Marce is expected to continue its course toward the Babuyan Islands or northern Cagayan, likely making landfall on Thursday or Friday. The exact path could shift, so keep an eye on updates from the weather bureau.

As always, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared. We’ll keep you updated on the latest as more information comes in. Make sure to check your local advisories and take necessary precautions. Stay safe, everyone!