Monday morning, November 11th, and we’re closely monitoring Typhoon Nika, internationally known as Toraji, as it makes landfall north of De La Sag in the Isabela province, near Casiguran and the Sierra Madre Mountains. The mountains are playing a vital role in protecting the Cagayan Valley from the worst winds, but heavy rains are already affecting the region, including areas like Ilagan.
Key Points:
- Landfall: Typhoon Nika has struck just north of Casiguran, with its heaviest rain currently battering the eastern side of the Sierra Madre range.
- Wind & Storm Surge: Friends over in Isabela, Casiguran, and Ilagan are already reporting increased winds, and coastal areas may face storm surges.
- Rainfall & Flooding Threats: As Nika traverses the Sierra Madre, the Cagayan and Magat Rivers will see heavy rainfall flowing downstream, which may lead to localized flooding in several areas downstream.
- Weather Patterns: This typhoon is a Category 1, which is less intense than initially expected, but still strong enough to warrant Signal Force #3 and #4 warnings in many areas of Luzon.
We have James Reynolds, our videographer, currently at landfall recording footage. Despite remote location challenges, he’s bringing us on-the-ground coverage as long as connectivity allows.
FAQ: Typhoon Nika & What’s Ahead
1. Where is Typhoon Nika currently?
- Typhoon Nika has made landfall near Casiguran and is moving westward. The core of the storm is over Isabela province, with effects reaching across the Sierra Madre and into the Cagayan Valley.
2. What’s the primary threat right now?
- Rainfall is the biggest concern. The Sierra Madre acts as a natural barrier, but intense rains will flow down into the watershed areas, especially impacting the Cagayan River and Magat River regions.
3. Will there be flooding?
- Yes, given the watershed regions and river tributaries in the path of heavy rainfall, localized flooding is likely in low-lying areas downstream from the mountains.
4. How strong is Nika?
- After an eyewall replacement cycle, Nika has slightly weakened, now classified as a Category 1 typhoon, but it still poses a substantial threat due to sustained winds and heavy rains.
5. When will conditions improve?
- The storm is moving west at 10-15 km/h, which means conditions in affected areas should start to improve by Tuesday morning, with only residual showers expected.
6. Is there another storm on the way?
- Yes, a potential storm, likely to be named Usagi by the Japan Meteorological Agency, could approach the Philippines by mid-week. Early forecasts show it may track north but still poses a risk, especially for those in Luzon already dealing with Nika’s impacts.
Looking Forward
Currently, we’re in a weather pattern that could bring several back-to-back storms. Typhoon Mars recently dissipated, and Nika is still causing challenges. However, after this active period, we should start to see a decrease in storm activity as high-pressure systems begin to settle over the region, hopefully bringing calmer weather.
Stay tuned for updates, especially if you’re in areas susceptible to flooding. Your safety is our top priority. For live updates, subscribe and keep an eye on the forecast as this situation evolves.
Stay safe, and let’s get through this together!