Severe Tropical Storm Nando Strengthens, Threatens Batanes and Northern Luzon

Severe Tropical Storm Nando (international name: Ragasa) is steadily gaining strength as it moves northwest across the Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on September 20.

PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda reported in a briefing that Nando is forecasted to approach the Batanes–Babuyan Islands by the afternoon or evening of Monday, September 22, with the likelihood of intensifying into a super typhoon prior to landfall.

"Nando continues to traverse the sea and gradually strengthens. Its trough, an extension of the storm system, will bring scattered rainfall over eastern Luzon and parts of the Visayas today," Castañeda stated.

At 4 a.m. on Saturday, PAGASA located Nando's center approximately 780 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, moving northwest at 10 kilometers per hour. The storm currently has maximum sustained winds near the center of 100 km/h, with gusts up to 125 km/h, and a central pressure of 994 hPa. Wind speeds between strong breeze and storm-force extend up to 440 kilometers from the center.

Forecasts indicate that Nando will continue to strengthen over the Philippine Sea, potentially reaching typhoon intensity within 12 hours and possibly escalating to a super typhoon as it nears the Batanes–Babuyan Islands on Monday.

"Starting tomorrow, the cyclone will get closer to the country and is expected to approach or make landfall in the Batanes–Babuyan Islands area by Monday afternoon or evening," Castañeda explained. She added, "As it moves over open waters, it may strengthen into a typhoon and possibly intensify further into a super typhoon before landfall."

PAGASA anticipates Nando will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Tuesday, September 23.

In addition to Nando's direct effects, PAGASA cautions that the southwest monsoon, enhanced by the storm, will bring heavy rainfall to several regions. "The southwest monsoon remains active over the western sections of Northern and Central Luzon, as well as parts of Southern Luzon and the Visayas," Castañeda noted.

The trough associated with Nando is expected to produce scattered showers in eastern Luzon and the Visayas starting September 20. Heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon are forecasted for early next week in western Central Luzon, much of Southern Luzon, as well as parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

"Given the expansive coverage of Nando, the entire Northern Luzon region and portions of Central Luzon will experience strong winds and heavy rainfall," Castañeda said, emphasizing the importance of vigilance.

While no wind signals have been raised yet, Nando's influence is already causing heavy rain and gusty winds across Northern and Central Luzon, parts of the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Detailed rainfall and wind forecasts include:

• September 20: Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga – heavy rainfall and gusty winds
• September 21: Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Visayas, Northern Mindanao – heavy rainfall
• September 22: Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, SOCCSKSARGEN, parts of Davao – gale-force gusts

Mariners have been advised to exercise caution due to moderate to rough seas, with wave heights reaching up to 3.0 meters along the eastern coasts of Cagayan, Isabela, and Catanduanes, and waves up to 2.5 meters in other exposed areas. A storm surge warning may also be issued for coastal waters in Northern Luzon.

Castañeda concluded by urging the public to exercise heightened vigilance and preparedness ahead of the storm’s impact. "Extra caution and readiness are essential for our fellow citizens," she said.