Photo credit: Maryselle Olivan

Buckle up, folks, because Severe Tropical Storm Kristine is making its presence felt as it barrels across the Cordillera Administrative Region. As of 10:00 AM today, the storm's center was spotted near Bauko, Mountain Province, packing maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h and gusts reaching a hefty 160 km/h. Moving west-southwest at 20 km/h, Kristine is certainly not one to be taken lightly, with strong winds extending up to a whopping 730 km from its center.

What’s the Situation?

Kristine’s strong winds are sweeping across several areas, with some provinces feeling the brunt under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3. Residents in Mountain Province, Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, and parts of Ilocos Sur and Nueva Vizcaya are experiencing storm-force winds that pose a significant threat to both life and property. It’s time to batten down the hatches if you’re in these areas.

Under TCWS No. 2 are Metro Manila, Bulacan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, and several other provinces across Luzon, where gale-force winds could cause moderate disruptions. Even areas under TCWS No. 1, like Northern Samar, Occidental Mindoro, and portions of Palawan, aren’t entirely out of the woods, as strong winds and rain may still pose a risk.

Rain, Winds, and Storm Surges: What to Expect

With the storm marching westward, heavy rainfall is expected to drench parts of Luzon and Visayas, potentially leading to flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous regions. Coastal areas, brace yourselves! The risk of storm surges is real, with waves up to two meters above normal tide levels possible in exposed coastal areas of Ilocos Norte, La Union, and even Cagayan.

Sea conditions are rough to very rough across the board, with waves soaring up to 8 meters along the seaboards of Ilocos Region and Zambales. Mariners and fishermen are strongly advised to stay in port and avoid venturing out to sea until the storm has passed.

Lingayen and Surrounding Areas on Alert

In Lingayen, Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO), headed by Clark P. Mamaril, are taking proactive steps to ensure everyone's safety. The Baywalk area is experiencing flooding up to 2 feet deep due to storm surge, and authorities are already patrolling affected neighborhoods to monitor the situation closely. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepare for possible evacuations if the situation worsens.

What’s Next for Kristine?

The good news is Kristine is expected to emerge over the waters west of Ilocos Region later today and continue its path toward the West Philippine Sea. By tomorrow, it’s likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, don’t get too comfortable just yet—Kristine could regain strength once it hits the open sea.

Stay Safe and Informed

As Severe Tropical Storm Kristine continues its rampage, it's crucial to keep an eye on the latest weather updates. Local officials are working around the clock, but you can do your part by staying indoors, securing loose items, and following any evacuation orders. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!