By CNN Philippines Staff

Published Sep 23, 2022 6:59:11 AM

Updated Sep 23, 2022 12:30:00 PM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 23) — Tropical Storm Karding maintained its strength while accelerating westward over the Philippine Sea, according to the state weather bureau.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin on Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Karding is forecast to intensify within the period prior to making landfall over Northern Luzon on Sunday.

“Per latest intensity forecast, it is likely to make landfall as a high-end tropical storm or a low-end severe tropical storm,” the bureau said.

PAGASA said that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) may be hoisted as early as tonight over the eastern portions of Northern and Central Luzon. The most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is Signal No. 2.

But the potential to hoist TWCS No. 3 over the localities in the eastern portions of Northern and Central Luzon is not being ruled out.

Karding is the 11th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

The tropical storm was last spotted 1,085 kilometers east of northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness up to 80 kph.

PAGASA said Karding may bring heavy rains over Batanes, Cagayan, and Isabela Sunday midnight through morning.

Moderate to heavy rains are forecast over the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Provinces, and La Union from Sunday through Monday while light to moderate rains are predicted over the northern portion of Aurora and the rest of Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley.

With these conditions, isolated to scattered flooding (including flash floods) and rain-induced landslides are possible.

Karding is expected to exit Philippine landmass early Monday morning.

SOURCE: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/9/23/PAGASA-Karding.html