Nika becomes severe tropical storm; Signal No. 2 up

Severe Tropical Storm Nika has further intensified to near-typhoon category, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

- BELLA CARIASO

"Severe Tropical (Storm) Nika is expected to make landfall either in Isabela or Aurora, (Monday) morning or early afternoon. As Nika is expected to reach typhoon category, it is possible that the highest wind signal is No. 4," PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres said.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, the center of Nika was located 380 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon with maximum sustained winds of 110 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph as it moves westward at 20 kph.

Nika was forecast to reach typhoon category yesterday and may reach its peak intensity of around 130 kph prior to landfall, according to PAGASA.

Torres said Nika intensified into a severe storm category at 5 a.m. yesterday.

"If we will compare it to Typhoon Leon, although the two cyclones both reach typhoon category, Leon was stronger, as it was in the upper intensity of typhoon category as it reached 175 kph. The peak of Nika is expected to reach 130 kph," Torres said.

She added that, aside from Aurora and Isabela, areas in Central and Northern Luzon will be affected by the rainbands of Nika.

"The public should remain on alert, especially those living in Northern and Central Luzon areas, including the northern portion of Southern Luzon," she added.