Nika weakens as it crosses WPS; Signal No. 2 lifted

MANILA, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Nika (international name: Toraji) continues to weaken as it moves northwestward over the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported on Tuesday.

In a 5 a.m. bulletin, Nika was last spotted 185 kilometers (km) west of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

It packs maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center, with gusts of up to 115 kph.

It is now moving northwestward at 30 kph, the state weather bureau added.

READ: Nika moving away from PH landmass; Wind Signal No. 3 lifted

As the severe tropical storm continues to move further, Pagasa also lifted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2.

Only TCWS No. 1 remains over the following areas, where strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h may be expected, causing minimal to minor threat to life and property:

• Ilocos Norte
• Northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Lidlidda, City of Candon, Galimuyod, Banayoyo, Burgos, Santiago, Santa Maria, San Esteban, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Caoayan, Santa, Bantay, City of Vigan, Santa Catalina, San Vicente, San Ildefonso, Santo Domingo, Magsingal, Cabugao, San Juan, Sinait)
• Northern portion of Apayao (Kabugao, Pudtol, Luna, Santa Marcela, Calanasan, Flora)
• Northern and western portions of Abra (Tineg, Lagangilang, Bucay, Villaviciosa, Lagayan, San Juan, La Paz, Danglas, Pilar, San Isidro, Peñarrubia, Tayum, Dolores, Bangued, Pidigan, Langiden, San Quintin)
  Western portion of Babuyan Islands (Calayan Is., Dalupiri Is., Fuga Is.)
• Northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan (Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes, Claveria)

According to Pagasa, Nika is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) within the next 12 hours.

“Nika will continue to weaken for the next [few] days and may become a remnant low over the sea near southern China,” state meteorologists added.

Nika is forecast to remain a severe tropical storm throughout its passage within the PAR region.

Pagasa likewise hoisted a gale warning over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon on Tuesday.