Typhoon Nina to make landfall on Christmas

Tropical Storm Nock-Ten is forecast to grow into a typhoon that will likely cut its way across Luzon from Sunday, Christmas Day, through to Monday.

Upon entry into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Friday morning, December 23, Nock-Ten will be given the local name "Nina".

Strong winds and rains are expected across Luzon and Visayas, with the possibility of a direct hit on the NCR on Monday.

As of 4 pm Thursday, Nock-Ten/Nina was posited some 1,320 km east of Northern Mindanao as of 4 pm, with 75 kph maximum winds and 95 kph gusts, according to PAGASA.

In its 5pm Thursday (Philippine Time) outlook, the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) said that the cyclone will continue to strengthen on its approach to the country. 

The typhoon may weaken slightly if it crosses Luzon, but may strengthen if it passes through Visayas.

The cyclone is still too far away from the country to confidently predict its path, but multiple forecast tracks by various weather agencies as of 2 pm Thursday show that it may directly hit Metro Manila on Monday:

— GMA News