Tropical Depression Kristine enters PAR, may intensify into typhoon

Tropical Depression Kristine entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday, October 21, 2024, becoming the country's 11th tropical cyclone this year.

As of Monday afternoon, Kristine was located 870 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gusts of up to 70 kph, moving west-southwestward at 30 kph.

Kristine is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm within 12 hours and may reach typhoon category before it makes landfall over Northern Luzon on Thursday evening or Friday morning.

PAGASA warned that the highest tropical cyclone wind signal that may be hoisted during the passage of Kristine is Signal No. 4.

Signal No. 1 is hoisted over 17 areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Most areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila, are likely to experience heavy rains and strong winds by Wednesday or Thursday, Oct. 23 or 24.

The trough of Kristine may also bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to various regions including Metro Manila, while moderate to intense rainfall may affect Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Quezon province.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods and landslides throughout the archipelago.