Northern Luzon provinces face Signal No. 1 warning due to impending storm 'Crising'
**Tropical Depression Crising Moves Northwestward, Threatens Mainland Cagayan**
Tropical Depression Crising, currently located east of Catanduanes province, is moving northwestward and is expected to make landfall over mainland Cagayan between July 18 and 19. After crossing Cagayan, it is projected to continue west-northwest towards northern Luzon, exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by the evening of July 19 or the morning of July 20.
As of July 17, Crising has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts up to 55 kph. PAGASA forecasts that Crising could intensify into a tropical storm within the day and may reach the category of a severe tropical storm by Friday, July 18. Climate factors, including warmer ocean temperatures, may contribute to further intensification as it approaches land.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected, particularly in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte. Provinces such as Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar are likely to experience rainfall ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters.
PAGASA has raised Wind Signal No. 1 over nine provinces, including the northwestern seaboard of Occidental Mindoro, the northwestern seaboard of Masbate, the southwestern seaboards of Antique and Negros Occidental, and the eastern seaboards of Northern and Eastern Samar. Mariners operating small boats in these areas are strongly advised to avoid venturing out to sea due to hazardous conditions.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has raised its alert status to “red,” mobilizing key government agencies—including AFP, BFP, Coast Guard, PNP, and others—to ensure disaster readiness. Residents in vulnerable regions are urged to secure homes, prepare for possible flooding, and monitor updates from authorities.
As of now, the areas under TCWS Signal No. 1 include Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur (City of Vigan, Santa, Caoayan, Bantay, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Cabugao, San Juan, Sinait, Magsingal, San Ildefonso, Santo Domingo, San Vicente, Santa Catalina), and the northern and eastern portions of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto).
Residents in affected areas should remain alert for further advisories, prepare for possible flooding, and follow evacuation orders if issued by local authorities. Stay tuned for updates on Tropical Depression Crising.
In light of Tropical Depression Crising moving towards Cagayan, it's important to note that the weather forecast indicates potential impacts in other regions as well. For instance, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.
Following its predicted trajectory, Crising may also affect areas like Zamboanga and Davao in Mindanao after it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, the exact path and intensity of the storm remain uncertain.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) anticipates Crising to strengthen into a severe tropical storm by July 18, which could cause stronger winds and rainfall in its path.
To ensure readiness and safety, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has warned residents in vulnerable regions, including Baguio, Manila, and other Luzon areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1, to prepare for possible flooding and follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
