Philippine Sea: Tropical Storm Noru tracking west-southwestward over the Philippine Sea as of evening Sept. 24 /update 2

Event

Tropical Storm Noru, named Karding in the Philippines, is tracking west-southwestward over the Philippine Sea as of the evening of Sept. 24. As of 17:00 PHT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 641 km (398 miles) east-northeast of Manila, Philippines.

Forecast models indicate that the storm system will strengthen into a typhoon as it tracks westward, making landfall over Aurora Province in the Philippines the evening of Sept. 25 before weakening into a tropical storm as it tracks over the Central Luzon Region through Sept. 25. The storm will strengthen as it enters the South China Sea and likely attain typhoon strength the afternoon Sept. 26 as it tracks westward towards central Vietnam. Noru is likely to continue strengthening and make landfall over Quang Nam Province in Vietnam late Sept. 27 before weakening as it tracks westward across central Vietnam, southern Laos, and eastern Thailand. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming hours.

As of Sept. 24, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 2 across southeastern Isabela and northern Aurora provinces as well as the Pollilo Islands. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 is in place over much of the rest of Luzon. Authorities have warned of light to moderate rainfall over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, northern Aurora, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur provinces through early Sept. 25.

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau has issued yellow heavy rain advisories (lowest level on a four-tier scale) across Keelung, New Taipei, and Taipei cities. Yellow strong wind advisories are in place across most of the island. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days as the storm approaches.

Authorities in the Philippines have closed the landslide-prone Kennon Road in Benguet Province in advance of the storm.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Taiwan Central Weather Bureau
China Meteorological Administration
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)