Typhoon “Marce” continues to gather strength as it moves northwestward over the Philippine Sea, bringing potentially hazardous weather to parts of Northern Luzon.
Weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it was located approximately 345 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, as of 4:00 a.m. today, November 6. With maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near its center and gusts reaching up to 170 km/h, Marce poses a significant risk to affected areas.
“Si Typhoon Marce ay dahan dahan, o kumikilos ito papalapit, o patungo sa Northern Luzon,” he said.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been raised over portions of the Babuyan Islands, specifically Camiguin and Babuyan Islands, as well as northeastern mainland Cagayan, including Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, and Buguey.
Gale-force winds between 62 to 88 km/h are expected, with a warning lead time of 24 hours, posing a minor to moderate threat to life and property.
TCWS No. 1 is in effect over a broader area, including Batanes, the rest of Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, northern Benguet (including towns like Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Atok, Bokod), Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and the northern portion of Aurora, covering Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, and Maria Aurora. These areas could experience strong winds from 39 to 61 km/h over the next 36 hours, with minimal to minor impacts anticipated.
For the latest rainfall advisories, PAGASA urges the public to monitor Weather Advisory No. 6, issued at 5 a.m., detailing potential heavy rains associated with Marce. Residents should remain alert for further warnings as conditions may change quickly, especially in flood- and landslide-prone areas.
The issued wind signals warn of general wind threats across the affected areas due to Marce’s intensity, particularly in coastal and upland or mountainous regions more exposed to winds. Minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are anticipated in TCWS No. 2 areas, while TCWS No. 1 regions may see minimal to minor impacts.
PAGASA advises that Wind Signal No. 4 may be hoisted if Marce intensifies further or its path shifts closer to densely populated areas.
Alongside Marce’s influence, the prevailing northeasterly wind flow will bring strong to gale-force gusts to the following areas: today, November 6 – Ilocos Region, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes; Thursday, November 7 – Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Zambales, Quezon, and Catanduanes; Friday, 8 November – Ilocos Region, Isabela, Aurora, and Zambales.
A storm surge warning is in effect, with moderate to high risk of life-threatening coastal inundation expected over the next 48 hours. Surge levels between 2.0 and 3.0 meters above normal tide are likely in low-lying or exposed coastal areas of Batanes, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Isabela.
Residents are urged to follow Storm Surge Warning No. 3, issued at 2 a.m., for further details.
“Huwag munang pumalaot ang ating mga kababayan dahil matataas ang alon,” Aurelio said.
A gale warning has been raised over Northern Luzon’s seaboards and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon. Coastal waters are expected to reach up to 8.0 meters along the northeastern coast of mainland Cagayan and eastern Babuyan Islands; up to 7.0 meters for other Cagayan and Babuyan seaboards; up to 6.0 meters for northern Ilocos Norte seaboards and northeastern Isabela; up to 5.5 meters for Ilocos Sur and western Pangasinan seaboards, and Isabela coastlines.
Rough seas are also anticipated along the following areas: up to 4.0 meters for northern Zambales coastlines; up to 3.5 meters for Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, and Catanduanes; up to 3.0 meters for Camarines Sur and remaining Zambales areas.
PAGASA warns all mariners and small seacraft operators to avoid sea travel until conditions improve. Larger vessels are advised to remain in port, and mariners should seek immediate safe harbor.
Typhoon Marce is expected to shift west-northwestward today, 6 November, slowing over the Philippine Sea. By Thursday, it may turn westward, approaching Babuyan Islands and northern Cagayan. On its current track, Marce could make landfall or pass near Babuyan Islands or northern mainland Cagayan from Thursday afternoon to early Friday, 8 November. It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening.
The typhoon is likely to continue intensifying and may reach peak intensity within the next 24 hours before impacting the Northern Luzon areas.
