Tropical Depression Nando May Intensify into Super Typhoon Approaching Northern Luzon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Thursday, September 18, that Tropical Depression Nando is progressing slowly over the Philippine Sea, posing a potential threat to Northern Luzon as it may escalate into a super typhoon.

In its 11 a.m. update, PAGASA indicated that Nando is forecast to drift northwestward over the next two days before shifting west-northwest toward Extreme Northern Luzon by Saturday afternoon. "Nando will continue to strengthen while over the Philippine Sea, possibly reaching typhoon status by Saturday. Further intensification into a super typhoon as it crosses Extreme Northern Luzon cannot be ruled out," the agency explained.

Authorities have urged local disaster risk reduction and management offices, along with residents in vulnerable areas, to prepare for the impending severe weather. PAGASA emphasized, "The public and relevant offices should take all necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property. Evacuations and other safety instructions from local officials should be followed diligently, especially in highly susceptible zones."

As of 10 a.m., the storm center was located approximately 1,335 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, generating sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near its core, with gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour. Although Nando is unlikely to influence the weather significantly in the next 48 hours, the agency warned that heavy rains linked to the Southwest Monsoon and Nando could begin on Sunday or Monday (September 21 or 22).

Currently, no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals have been raised, but PAGASA cautioned that Signal No. 1 may be activated over Northern Luzon as early as Saturday, September 20. "Given Nando's potential to escalate to super typhoon status, the highest anticipated wind signal during its passage is No. 5," the bureau added.

In addition to the storm, PAGASA noted that Nando will enhance the Southwest Monsoon, bringing strong to gale-force winds across various parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Quezon, as well as regions in the Visayas.

On Thursday, gusty conditions are expected in La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Benguet, MIMAROPA, Quezon, the Bicol Region, and Western Visayas. These winds will persist on Friday in the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan. By Saturday, gusts are projected to affect Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Romblon, and Masbate.

Maritime conditions will deteriorate as moderate seas with waves up to two meters are foreseen along the eastern coast of mainland Cagayan, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, as well as the western coast of Pangasinan. PAGASA strongly advised operators of small vessels, such as motorbancas, to exercise caution or avoid sailing amid these hazardous conditions.

Residents and mariners are urged to stay updated with official advisories as the situation unfolds.