CAGAYAN, Philippines — Typhoon Marce made landfall in Sta. Ana, Cagayan at approximately 3:40 PM on Thursday, October 5, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). As the storm intensifies, PAGASA has raised Signal No. 4 in several northern provinces, warning of potentially life-threatening conditions.
Following its landfall in Sta. Ana, Typhoon Marce is forecast to move westward, briefly passing over Aparri Bay before making a second landfall along the northwestern coastline of Cagayan. PAGASA has cautioned that the storm could further strengthen, potentially reaching super typhoon status as it continues to move across the region.
The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday afternoon or evening.
As of 5:00 PM Thursday, PAGASA has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) across multiple regions. The following areas are under the respective storm signals:
Signal No. 4 (Catastrophic Damage Expected):
- Northern Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands)
- Northern Apayao
- Northern Ilocos Norte
Signal No. 3 (Heavy Damage Likely):
- Batanes
- The rest of Cagayan
- The rest of Apayao
- The rest of Ilocos Norte
- Northern Abra (including Tineg, Danglas, Lagayan, Lacub, San Juan, La Paz, Bangued)
- Northern Ilocos Sur (including Sinair, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo)
Signal No. 2 (Moderate to Severe Damage Possible):
- Northern and central Isabela (including San Pablo, Santa Maria, Divilacan, Tumauini, Maconacon, Cabagan, and surrounding towns)
- The rest of Abra
- Kalinga
- Mountain Province
- Northern Ifugao
- Northern Benguet
- The rest of Ilocos Sur
- Northern La Union (including Sudipen, Bangar, Balaoan, Luna, Santol)
Signal No. 1 (Damaging Winds Possible):
- The rest of La Union
- Pangasinan
- The rest of Ifugao
- The rest of Benguet
- The rest of Isabela
- Quirino
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Northern and central Aurora
- Northern Nueva Ecija
- Northern Zambales
Typhoon Marce continues to pack strong winds, with sustained speeds of 175 km/h near its center, gusting up to 240 km/h. This powerful storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of widespread flooding, particularly in areas under Signal No. 4 and Signal No. 3. Dangerous storm surges and coastal flooding are also a concern, especially for residents in the affected coastal areas.
PAGASA has issued stern warnings about the potential for life-threatening conditions, urging residents in high-risk areas to stay vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and take all necessary precautions.
As of the 5:00 PM advisory, Typhoon Marce is moving westward at a speed of 10 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h and gusts reaching 240 km/h. PAGASA is closely monitoring the storm’s development and will issue updates as the situation evolves.
Key Safety Recommendations
- Stay Informed: Regularly check PAGASA's updates and weather alerts.
- Evacuation Orders: Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities, especially in coastal and flood-prone areas.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Stock up on essentials, including flashlights, batteries, food, water, and medicines.
- Secure Your Property: Reinforce windows, doors, and roofs to minimize damage.
- Stay Indoors: Avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors, especially during peak storm conditions.
Typhoon Marce’s landfall in Cagayan marks a critical moment in the ongoing 2024 typhoon season. With its powerful winds and heavy rains, this storm poses significant risks to the affected areas. The Philippine government and local authorities are urging residents in vulnerable regions to remain on high alert and follow safety protocols to ensure their safety. Typhoon Marce is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday evening, but its impact will be felt across many provinces in the coming hours.
For real-time updates and further warnings, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official government advisories and local media outlets.