Tropical Depression Karding strengthened into a tropical storm, PAGASA announced Thursday.
The state weather bureau’s 5 p.m. bulletin showed that Karding is expected to continue to intensify as it moves over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm category prior to its landfall.
“Current track and intensity forecast shows that there is a high likelihood that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals will be hoisted over Northern Luzon and some portions of Central Luzon,” it said.
“The highest possible wind signal that may be hoisted is TCWS #3. Localities situated in the eastern portions of Northern and Central Luzon may be placed under TCWS #1 as early as Friday evening or Saturday early morning,” it added.
Karding may bring heavy rains over northern Luzon and Central Luzon starting late Saturday or Sunday morning.
People were advised of possible isolated flooding (including flash floods) and rain-induced landslides in areas prone to these hazards.
— Ronald Espartinez