According to the latest storm bulletin released on the morning of October 22 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the center of Typhoon Kristine is located about 390 km from Virac, the capital of Catanduanes province (Philippines) on the island of Luzon. The maximum sustained winds near the storm’s center are 65 km/h (signal number 8), with gusts reaching 80 km/h (signal number 9). The storm is moving westward at a speed of 15 km/h.
Satellite images show that the Philippines is nearly wiped off the map due to the severe impact of Typhoon Trami (Kristine), which is currently covering much of the country.
There may be an image of a tornado.
PAGASA warns that within the next 24 hours, strong winds and high waves will occur in some coastal areas of the Philippines. Therefore, PAGASA is urging all ships, crews, and tourists at sea to quickly seek safe shelter or remain in port.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PGG) have been placed on high alert, ready to respond to the possibility of a stronger Typhoon Kristine. All ports in the Philippines are required to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the potential damage the storm may cause to infrastructure and implement disaster prevention measures.
Meanwhile, hundreds of passengers are stranded at several seaports due to canceled trips on the island of Luzon. PGG’s security, rescue, and medical units have been deployed to beaches and resorts to ensure the safety of tourists during the upcoming “Undas” holiday (All Souls’ Day).
Numerous government agencies and schools on the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were forced to temporarily close on October 22 due to the impact of Typhoon Kristine.
Currently, Typhoon Kristine is moving westward and heading towards Luzon. Various regional and global meteorological agencies predict that Typhoon Kristine may intensify into a super typhoon and enter the South China Sea after leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility by October 25.
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Philippines has issued heavy rain warnings for southern Luzon and Visayas due to Typhoon Kristine as of the morning of October 22.
PAGASA has warned that the sea and coastal areas are dangerous for small vessels, including motorcycles, in many regions such as Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, the Ilocos Region, Palawan, Romblon, Aklan, Antique, Negros Island, and Central Visayas. Strong wind warnings have also been issued for the eastern coast of Luzon, the southern coast of southern Luzon, and the eastern coast of Visayas.
PAGASA predicts very rough seas, with waves ranging from 2.5 to 6.5 meters, along with thunderstorms and potentially dangerous tornadoes. PAGASA has also warned of floods in low-lying areas and prolonged rainstorms lasting for several hours.
Kristine is the 11th tropical storm that the Philippines has faced this year.