STS Carina now over Philippine Sea, Signal 1 raised in Cagayan, Isabela

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over parts of Cagayan and Isabela due to Severe Tropical Storm Carina, internationally known as Gaemi.

Areas under Signal No. 1 in Cagayan include Sta. Ana, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca, Lal-Lo, and Gonzaga, while Isabela's northeastern portion comprises Divilacan, Palanan, and Maconacon.

These areas can expect strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h, posing minimal to minor threats.

As of Monday morning, Carina was nearly stationary over the Philippine Sea, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h and gusts up to 125 km/h.

Carina is expected to reach the typhoon category by early Tuesday morning and may undergo rapid intensification.

Heavy to intense rainfall is predicted for the extreme northeastern part of mainland Cagayan, with amounts estimated between 100 to 200 mm on Monday.

The storm is also expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing moderate to heavy rains to western Luzon, including Metro Manila, by Wednesday.

Carina is forecast to remain offshore and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.