by AJ Alarcon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued an advisory at 5:00 PM today, October 22, 2024, reporting that Tropical Cyclone Trami (local name: Kristine) has intensified into a tropical storm.

Until tomorrow afternoon, moderate to heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Kristine is expected in Cagayan Valley, CAR, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Romblon, Marinduque, and the rest of the Visayas Region; heavy to intense rainfall is expected in Masbate, Samar, Eastern Samar, Isabela, and Quezon; and intense to torrential rainfall is expected in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar.

It is forecast to move to the northwest as it gradually intensifies into a severe tropical storm before making landfall over Isabela or Northern Aurora tomorrow, October 23.

Kristine is expected to slightly weaken crossing Northern Luzon before intensifying again over the West Philippine Sea, preceding its expected exit from the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, October 25. 

In light of this, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) is raised to a red alert status with all their personnel on watch 24/7 to quickly respond to the possible impacts brought by Kristine.