Kiyapo weakens but still threatens: Signal No. 1 up in 12 areas as storm nears Cagayan

MANILA — Tropical Depression Kiyapo is moving closer to northern Luzon, and PAGASA has raised Signal No. 1 in more areas as of Thursday morning. The storm, packing winds of 45 km/h and gusts up to 55 km/h, is expected to pass near mainland Cagayan and the Babuyan Islands by Friday. While the highest signal possible is No. 2, forecasters are not ruling out Signal No. 3 if Kiyapo strengthens into a severe tropical storm over the weekend.

As of 4 a.m. Thursday, Kiyapo was located 950 kilometers east of Central Luzon, moving west northwest at 20 km/h. The storm is the Philippines' 11th tropical cyclone for 2026 and the fourth this July alone. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning or noon.

Which areas are under Signal No. 1?

PAGASA raised Signal No. 1 at 5 a.m. Thursday for the following provinces and areas:

• Batanes
• Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
• Isabela
• Apayao
• Abra
• Kalinga
• Eastern and central parts of Mountain Province (Paracelis, Natonin, Barlig, Sadanga, Bontoc, Besao, Sagada)
• Eastern and central parts of Ifugao (Mayoyao, Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Banaue, Hingyon, Lagawe)
• Ilocos Norte
• Northern part of Ilocos Sur (Cabugao, Sinait, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, Bantay, San Ildefonso, San Vicente)
• Northern part of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran)

Kiyapo may pass very close to the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan on Friday morning or afternoon, then pass very close to or make landfall in the Babuyan Islands later that day. The storm could intensify into a tropical storm on Friday and become a severe tropical storm by Saturday.

When will the heavy rain and strong winds hit?

Moderate to intense rain is expected in northern Luzon starting Friday. Here is the breakdown:

Friday, July 24

• Heavy to intense rain (100-200 mm): Cagayan, Apayao
• Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm): Batanes, Isabela, Kalinga, Abra, Ilocos Norte

Saturday, July 25

• Heavy to intense rain (100-200 mm): Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur
• Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm): Cagayan, Batanes, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, La Union

The southwest monsoon, or habagat, is also bringing moderate to heavy rain to the western side of the country. On Thursday, areas like Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, and parts of Mindanao will see 50-100 mm of rain. By Friday, Antique and Negros Occidental will be affected. Floods and landslides are likely in these areas.

What about the wind and sea conditions?

The southwest monsoon and the outer bands of Kiyapo will bring strong to gale-force gusts across much of the country. On Thursday, most of Mindanao, Siquijor, Bohol, and Southern Leyte will feel these winds. By Friday, almost the entire country will be affected. On Saturday, most of Luzon, most of Visayas, and parts of Mindanao will still see strong gusts.

Small vessels should not venture out to sea in the eastern seaboard of Davao Oriental, where waves could reach up to 3 meters high. Moderate to rough seas, with waves up to 2.5 meters, are expected off the eastern seaboard of Surigao del Sur. Other areas, including the eastern seaboards of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Eastern Samar, and Dinagat Islands, will see waves up to 2 meters high.

How can communities prepare for Kiyapo?

Local officials in the affected areas should activate their disaster response teams and ensure that evacuation centers are ready. Residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas should monitor updates from PAGASA and local authorities. Farmers should secure crops and livestock, while fisherfolk should avoid venturing out to sea. Keep emergency kits ready with food, water, flashlights, and batteries.

FAQ: What you need to know about Kiyapo

Is Kiyapo expected to make landfall?

Kiyapo may pass very close to or make landfall in the Babuyan Islands on Friday afternoon or evening. It will also pass near the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan.

Could the storm strengthen further?

Yes. Kiyapo could become a tropical storm on Friday and a severe tropical storm by Saturday. This could lead to Signal No. 3 being raised.

When will Kiyapo leave the Philippines?

The storm is projected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning or noon.

Stay safe, kababayan. Let us keep our families and communities protected. — Manny Pacquiao, Archipelago Times