Typhoon “Nock-Ten” intensifies, heading toward Manila, Philippines
Nock-Ten, known in the Philippines as Nina, has reached typhoon strength today and is still intensifying on its way toward capital Manila, Philippines. Landfall is expected around 12:00 UTC on December 25, 2016.
Nock-Ten is the 13th typhoon of the 2016 NW Pacific typhoon season. Average to date is 17.
PAGASA estimates moderate to heavy rain within 400 km (248 miles) of the center. Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal #1 is currently in effect for Luzon (Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes and Sorsogon), Visayas (Northern Samar and Eastern Samar), and Mindanao.
Typhoon "Nock-Ten" on December 23, 2016. Credit: NASA/NOAA/DoD Suomi NPP/VIIRS
The agency expects landfall over Catanduanes by Sunday afternoon or evening (local time).
According to the JTWC, Nock-Ten was located approximately 1 000 km (683 miles) east of Manila at 15:00 UTC on December 23. The typhon is tracking WNW at 24 km/h (15 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h (80.5 mph).
Animated enhanced infrared satellite imagery depicts a rapidly-consolidating low-level circulation cener obscured by a symmetric central dense overcast feature with a newly-formed 18.5 km (11.5 miles) eye (as of 13:20 UTC).
Well-developed eye now showing up on IR satellite imagery from Typhoon #Nockten as it heads towards the Philippines. pic.twitter.com/dycDEuNdl1
— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) December 23, 2016
Nock-Ten remains in a very favorable environment with low vertical wind shear, nearly radial outflow, and very warm sea surface temperatures.
Typhoon "Nock-Ten" forecast track by JTWC at 15:00 UTC on December 23, 2016.
The typhoon is expected to peak at 213 km/h (132 mph) within the next 24 hours and slightly weaken before it makes landfall. Current forecast calls for Category 3 hurricane equivalent at the time of landfall.
Nock-Ten is expected to pass just north of Manila as Category 1 or 2 hurricane equivalent.
The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions, PAGASA said.
Featured image: Typhoon "Nock-Ten" on December 23, 2016. Credit: UW-CIMSS
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My prayers are with all the people in the Philippines that have been affected by Typhoon “Nock-Ten”….Being from Louisiana living on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and experiencing hurricanes up to Category 5, I know only too well what the people in the path of this powerful typhoon has done to each of them and the countryside……