PAGASA: Storm surge may occur in areas along path of ‘Nina’

Storm surge may be expected in several areas in Luzon that would be affected by Severe Tropical Storm Nina, weather agency PAGASA said Friday.

In its 5 p.m. briefing, PAGASA said that aside from strong rain and winds, possible storm surge may occur over coastal areas of Quezon province, the Bicol Region, and Samar provinces.

The same may also happen along "other coastal areas along the path" of the severe tropical storm, which may intensify into a typhoon within the next 24 hours, it added.

Storm surge expected may be 1 to 2 meters in height. PAGASA will be giving specifics on the matter in its 11 p.m. bulletin.

Nina is expected to bring stormy weather over the following areas by Christmas Day:

• Metro Manila
• Bicol Region
• CALABARZON
• Pampanga
• Bataan
• Zambales
• Marinduque
• Oriental Mindoro
• Occidental Mindoro
• Northern Samar

With moderate to heavy rains expected in these areas, PAGASA also warned about possible flash flood in low-lying areas, as well as landslides in mountainous areas.

Storm Signal 1

Meanwhile, PAGASA said storm signal #1 is raised over Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

As of 5 p.m., PAGASA said Nina continues to move in a west-northwest direction, and is expected to keep moving down this path at 20 kilometers per hour.

It has maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of up to 105 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 130 kilometers per hour.

PAGASA also warned that sea travel is now risky over seaboards of northern Luzon. 

The Philippine Coast Guard have asked passengers leaving for the province to think of a "Plan B" in case they find themselves stranded at ports in time for Christmas. — RSJ, GMA News