According to the latest storm news from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), tropical depression Ada is about to strengthen into a storm near the East Sea.
As of 8 am this morning, the center of the tropical depression is located at about 9.4 degrees North latitude - 129.6 degrees East longitude, 380 km northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
The strongest wind near the center of the tropical depression reached 55 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h. The tropical depression is moving in a northwest direction at a speed of about 20 km/h.
It is forecast that the tropical depression will officially strengthen into a storm at 2 pm this afternoon. At that time, the storm will be named Nokaen. This is the first storm to enter the Philippine waters in 2026.
Due to the impact of the storm, heavy rain will appear throughout Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. The maximum rainfall may reach 100-200 mm.
The Meteorological Agency forecasts that the northeast monsoon and the periphery of the Ada tropical depression will also carry strong gusts across Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Abra, the northern and eastern continent of Cagayan, eastern Isabela, eastern Bulacan, Aurora, most of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes and Sorsogon.
The storm will move in a Northwest direction from now until January 18, then head northeast on Monday (January 19). On the forecast route, the storm may pass near Eastern Samar and Northern Samar on January 16 or 17 in the early morning before reaching Catanduanes, which is likely to approach Catanduanes on the morning of January 17. The storm is also likely to make landfall in eastern Visayas and the Bicol region.
Faced with the storm developments, functional agencies are advised to urgently implement all necessary measures to protect the safety of people's lives and property.
Tourists planning to come to the Philippines during this time should pay attention to weather forecasts. Follow local instructions to avoid storms that affect the journey.
