Nika intensifies; 2 more cyclones monitored

Tropical cyclone Nika intensified into a typhoon and made landfall in Dilasag, Aurora yesterday, while two more cyclones are being monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

- BELLA CARIASO

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Nika (international name Toraji) is expected to exit PAR this evening.

A tropical depression and tropical storm are being observed outside PAR. Once they enter PAR, the cyclones will be named Ofel and Pepito.

Strong rains were experienced in northern and Central Luzon, PAGASA deputy administrator for research and development Marcelino Villafuerte II said at a press conference.

Nika's clouds reached portions of southern Luzon, PAGASA Weather Division officer-in-charge Christopher Perez said.

The center of Nika was located near Besao, Mountain Province as of 5 p.m. yesterday.

Tropical cyclone wind signal N 4 was raised in Kalinga, Mounta Province, the northern portion of Ifugao, the central and southern porti of Abra and the northern and centra portions of Ilocos Sur.

Signal No. 3 was hoisted in t northern portion of Quirino, t northeastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, the central portion of Isabela, the southwestern portion of Cagayan, the southern portion of Apayao, th rest of Abra, the rest of Ifugao, t northern portion of Benguet, th southern portion of Ilocos Norte a the rest of Ilocos Sur.

Signal No. 2 was raised in t northwestern and eastern portio of Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, the rest of Nueva Vizcaya, the rest Quirino, the rest of Apayao, the re of Benguet, the rest of Ilocos Nor La Union, the northeastern portion Pangasinan, the northern and cent portions of Aurora and the norther portion of Nueva Ecija.