A huge portion of Northern Luzon will experience strong winds and heavy rains beginning this weekend until early next week during the passage of tropical cyclone “Nando,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said yesterday.

“‘Nando’ is forecast to intensify as it goes near the Philippine landmass. It could possibly intensify into a typhoon on Saturday and it could even reach the super typhoon category on Monday,” Pagasa Administrator Nathaniel Servando said in a press conference.

“Nando,” the fourth tropical cyclone in the country this month, will bring strong winds and heavy rains as it will also enhance the southwest monsoon.

The hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is possible in the northern portion of Luzon starting on Saturday, while up to Signal No. 5 could possibly be hoisted by Monday, September 22.

“We advise the public to prepare and listen to the local governments’ advisories to minimize the impacts of ‘Nando,’” Servando said.

He added that the public should take precautions against possible flooding, landslides and storm surge.

Tropical Storm ‘Nando’ was located 1,005 kilometers east of Central Luzon as of 1:00 p.m. yesterday.

“This is still far and this would enhance the southwest monsoon in the next days,” Pagasa forecaster Benison Estareja said in the same conference.

The eastern portion of Northern Luzon may feel the effects of ‘Nando’ starting on Saturday. Aparri, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte will also experience strong winds.

The southern portion of Batanes and Babuyan Islands may be under Signal No. 4 or 5 in the next few days.

On Monday until Tuesday, September 23, up to 200 mm of rainfall (torrential) is forecast in Cagayan, Batanes, Apayao and Ilocos Norte. (PNA)