Typhoon “Goring” is rapidly intensifying as it continues to churn over the sea east of Babuyan Islands, according to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The typhoon’s impact on land areas is bringing several hazards that include heavy rainfall, severe winds, and hazardous coastal conditions.

Current position and strength

As of the latest data, the typhoon’s center is estimated to be 185 km East Northeast of Aparri, Cagayan. It is moving southwestward at a speed of 10 km/h. Goring boasts maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the center, accompanied by gustiness of up to 170 km/h.

Affected areas

Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2:

• Extreme northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga)
• Extreme northeastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon)

Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1:

• Batanes, Babuyan Islands, eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Lal-Lo, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Ballesteros, Allacapan), eastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, San Pablo, Cabagan, Tumauini, Ilagan City), northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran)

Heavy rainfall

Pagasa forecasts substantial rainfall across various regions. The following accumulation of rainfall is expected today:

• 100-200 mm: Eastern portion of mainland Cagayan
• 50-100 mm: Babuyan Islands, rest of mainland Cagayan, northeastern portion of Isabela, Abra, northern portion of Apayao, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur

For tomorrow, the forecasted rainfall is as follows:

• 00-200 mm: Eastern portion of mainland Cagayan
• 50-100 mm: Babuyan Islands, rest of mainland Cagayan, eastern portion of Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and northern portion of Aurora

Elevated or mountainous areas are expected to experience higher levels of rainfall. With these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, particularly in areas susceptible to these hazards.

Severe winds

Goring’s winds are expected to impact various areas under different wind signal levels. Gale-force winds could have minor to moderate impacts within areas under Wind Signal No. 2, while areas under Wind Signal No. 1 may experience minimal to minor impacts from strong winds.

These signals are designed to warn the public of potential wind threats and variations in local wind strengths.

The enhanced Southwest Monsoon, influenced by Typhoon Goring, will bring gusty conditions to specific areas not under any Wind Signal, especially coastal and upland/mountainous regions.

Hazards affecting coastal waters

A Gale Warning is in effect for the northern and eastern coastal waters of Northern Luzon and the eastern coastal waters of Central Luzon. This warning indicates risky sea travel for certain vessels, leading to disruptions in civilian maritime activities.

Track and intensity outlook

Typhoon Goring is projected to maintain a general southward to southeastward movement today and tomorrow before turning eastward to northeastward on Sunday.

Subsequently, the typhoon is anticipated to exit its looping path and head northwestward toward the sea east of Taiwan.

The favorable environmental conditions are likely to propel Goring’s intensification, potentially reaching super typhoon category by Monday.

However, the upwelling of cooler waters due to its slow movement may limit further intensification by late Monday or early Tuesday.