Marce may become typhoon, poses threat to Luzon

Another severe weather disturbance has developed into a tropical storm as it entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) yesterday, threatening to unleash havoc on areas in Luzon already devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

- By BELLA CARIASO

"Last Sunday, we were monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA), but eventually it developed into a tropical depression, and at 2 a.m. (Monday), it entered the Philippine area of responsibility and even intensified into a tropical storm," PAGASA deputy administrator for research and development Marcelino Villafuerte II said at a press conference yesterday.

The storm, now called Marce (international name Yinxing), may strengthen into a typhoon before making landfall in extreme Northern Luzon. At 4 p.m., Tropical Storm Marce was located 785 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes with maximum sustained winds of 75 km per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 105 kph as it moves west-northwestward at 30 kph.

The state weather bureau said that tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 may be hoisted over portions of Cagayan either last night or Tuesday morning.

“We expect that Tropical Storm Marce will make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands or mainland Northern Cagayan, Thursday evening or Friday morning, depending on the strength of the high pressure area,” PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres said.

“If the high pressure area is strong, it is possible that the track will go down and its landfall will change towards the Cagayan and Isabela area,” she said.

Torres added that by evening today or tomorrow morning, Marce may further intensify into a severe tropical storm.

“It is possible that it may reach typhoon category. Based on the forecast track, areas affected by Wednesday and Thursday are close to each other, this means that Marce will move slowly while nearing the country’s landmass,” she pointed out.

Many areas in the country are seen to experience rains and strong winds, as Marce moves slowly.