Photo credit: Dost_pagasa

Heads up, Northern Luzon! Typhoon Marce, known internationally as Yinxing, is delivering powerful winds, intense rainfall, and dangerous storm surges as it moves westward over the Babuyan Channel. With maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h near the center and gusts reaching up to 240 km/h, this typhoon is bringing serious impacts to the region.

Where’s Marce Now?

As of 7:00 PM, Marce’s eye was located over the coastal waters of Aparri, Cagayan. The storm is moving west-northwest at 10 km/h, with its strong winds stretching up to 560 kilometers from the center – a massive reach that’s covering a large portion of Northern Luzon in hazardous weather conditions.

Areas Under Warning

- Typhoon Signal No. 4: Northern Cagayan, parts of Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. These areas are expected to experience typhoon-force winds (118 to 184 km/h) that pose a severe threat to life and property.
- Typhoon Signal No. 3: Batanes, other parts of Cagayan and Apayao, as well as northern Abra and Ilocos Sur, where storm-force winds (89 to 117 km/h) are anticipated.
- Typhoon Signal No. 2 and No. 1: Various parts of Isabela, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and other areas farther south, which will face gale-force and strong winds.

Potential Impacts

1. Severe Winds: Areas under Signal No. 4 are already experiencing typhoon-force winds. Structural damage, uprooted trees, and power outages are likely, especially in open and mountainous regions.

2. Storm Surge: A high risk of storm surges over 3 meters threatens low-lying coastal areas in Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and other nearby areas. Coastal communities are urged to prepare for dangerous sea levels and possible inundation.

3. Hazardous Seas: Seas around Northern Luzon are expected to be very rough, with waves reaching up to 12 meters. PAGASA advises all types of vessels to stay ashore as travel is extremely risky.

What’s Next for Marce?

Typhoon Marce will likely continue its westward path and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tomorrow. However, it may still strengthen to a super typhoon briefly before possibly weakening as it crosses the mountains of Northern Luzon and encounters drier air. For now, the typhoon remains a serious threat to affected areas, and residents are advised to stay indoors and follow local government advisories closely.

Stay Safe, Northern Luzon!

Local authorities are actively monitoring the situation, and residents in vulnerable areas should be prepared for evacuations. Keep up with the latest PAGASA updates and stay safe indoors, away from windows and unstable structures. Let’s weather this typhoon together, and remember – safety first!