Tropical depression Neneng maintained its strength while moving south toward the extreme Northern Luzon area, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday evening, Oct. 13.
In its 11 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Neneng maintained its maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 70 kph.
“Neneng is forecast to further intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea and may reach tropical storm category by Saturday. The possibility of further intensification prior to its close approach to extreme Northern Luzon is [also] not ruled out,” it said.
According to PAGASA, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over the eastern portion of Northern Luzon as early as Friday morning or afternoon, Oct. 14, in anticipation of strong winds from Neneng.
“Per latest track and intensity forecast, the most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is Wind Signal No. 2,” PAGASA said.
Likewise, Neneng may bring heavy rains over Northern Luzon beginning Saturday (Oct. 15), PAGASA said.
“Under these conditions, flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides are possible especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps,” it warned.
As of 10 p.m., Neneng was at 1,085 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon and moving southward at a speed of 10 kph.
“Tropical depression Neneng is forecast to move west-southwestward in the next 24 hours before turning westward on Saturday,” PAGASA said.
“By Sunday (Oct. 16), it will begin to track west-northwestward towards extreme Northern Luzon. On the track forecast, Neneng will make landfall or may pass very close to Babuyan Islands or Batanes,” it added.
