Latest Update on Bagyong Marce
BAGYONG MARCE – Typhoon Marce, also known internationally as Yinxing, is currently slowing down over the Philippine Sea, located east of Northern Luzon.
As of 7:00 AM today, the center of Marce was approximately 335 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, with sustained winds of 140 km/h and gusts reaching up to 170 km/h. The storm is moving slowly westward, extending its typhoon-force winds up to 400 km from the center. Authorities expect Marce to intensify further and possibly reach its peak strength before potentially making landfall near the Babuyan Islands or northern Cagayan between Thursday afternoon and early Friday morning.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) across several regions. TCWS No. 2, which indicates gale-force winds, is in effect for the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands and northeastern Cagayan, including municipalities such as Santa Ana and Gonzaga. Winds in these areas range from 62 to 88 km/h, posing a minor to moderate risk to life and property. Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 has been raised in areas including Batanes, mainland Cagayan, and the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, and northern Aurora. In these areas, winds may reach 39 to 61 km/h, presenting minimal to minor impacts.
Coastal areas in Northern Luzon and parts of Central Luzon face a high risk of storm surge, with potential sea-level rises of 2 to 3 meters in low-lying areas of Batanes, Cagayan, and Ilocos Norte. Gale warnings remain in effect, with waves potentially reaching heights of up to 8 meters, especially along the northeastern coast of Cagayan and the Babuyan Islands. PAGASA strongly advises mariners of all vessel types to avoid sea travel during this period due to the hazardous sea conditions.
Bagyong Marce is forecast to shift westward by Thursday as it approaches northern Luzon, with the possibility of exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday evening. Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to follow local evacuation orders and stay informed of weather advisories from PAGASA. Disaster management offices and local authorities remain on alert to reduce risks and safeguard communities from the storm’s impacts.
