Photo credit: Dost_Pagasa

Tropical Storm Enteng is back with more intensity. As of 10:00 AM today, its center was spotted 100 km west-northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h and gusts reaching up to 105 km/h. Moving westward at a steady 25 km/h, Enteng is once again flexing its power over the waters off Ilocos Norte.

So, what's the deal with the wind? Well, areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, including parts of Ilocos Norte and northern Ilocos Sur, should brace for gale-force winds between 62 to 88 km/h. These winds are strong enough to pose minor to moderate threats to life and property, so it's best to stay cautious. Meanwhile, the rest of Ilocos Norte and several other provinces like Apayao, Kalinga, and Abra are under Signal No. 1, expecting slightly milder yet still strong winds.

And that's not all! The heavy rainfall is another big concern, especially in Ilocos Sur and Abra, where up to 200 mm of rain could fall today. With this kind of rain, flooding and landslides are a real threat, particularly in elevated areas. The rain's also likely to extend across other parts of Luzon, thanks to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon that Enteng is stirring up.

What’s next for Enteng? The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tomorrow morning. But don’t relax just yet—it’s set to intensify further, possibly reaching typhoon status by Thursday. Enteng might even make another landfall in southern mainland China over the weekend.

For those in coastal areas, watch out for storm surges, especially in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, and Isabela. These could pose a risk over the next 48 hours. So, stay updated, follow local advisories, and if you're in a high-risk area, be prepared to take action.