Bagyong Kiyapo intensifies into tropical storm; Signal No. 2 up in 3 areas

MANILA, Philippines — Bagyong Kiyapo intensified into a tropical storm on Friday, July 24, as it slightly decelerated while moving westward toward Extreme Northern Luzon, prompting PAGASA to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 in three areas.

Satellite image as of 10:00 p.m. July 24, 2026/PAGASA

In its 8:00 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Tropical Storm Kiyapo (international name Noul) was estimated at 260 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, as of 7:00 a.m.

The tropical storm packs maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h, gusts of up to 80 km/h, and is moving westward at 20 km/h.

PAGASA said strong to gale-force winds extend up to 450 kilometers from the center of the storm.

Areas under Signal No. 2

• Batanes
• northern mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira, Claveria, Santa Praxedes), including the Babuyan Islands
• northern Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud)

Areas under Signal No. 1

• the rest of mainland Cagayan
• Isabela
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Quirino
• Apayao
• Abra
• Kalinga
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Benguet
• the rest of Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• northern and central Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao)

PAGASA warned that minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible in areas under TCWS No. 2.

The weather bureau said minimal to minor impacts from strong winds may also be experienced in areas under TCWS No. 1.

PAGASA added that TCWS No. 3 has not been ruled out should Kiyapo intensify into a severe tropical storm while traversing the Batanes-Babuyan Islands area.

Forecasters said Kiyapo will continue moving west-northwestward toward the Luzon Strait until Saturday before turning northwestward to northward.

The cyclone may pass close to the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan between Friday morning and afternoon before passing very close to or making landfall in the vicinity of the Babuyan Islands between Friday afternoon and evening.

PAGASA said Kiyapo is expected to continue intensifying while traversing Extreme Northern Luzon and may become a severe tropical storm after passing the Babuyan Islands.

While over the West Philippine Sea, the cyclone may undergo rapid intensification and reach typhoon strength before making landfall over southern mainland China.

Kiyapo is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday morning before weakening as it moves farther inland over mainland China.

PAGASA advised residents in areas under tropical cyclone wind signals to remain alert, monitor the latest weather advisories, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

— The Summit Express