Manila: A huge portion of Northern Luzon will experience strong winds and heavy rains beginning this weekend until early next week during the passage of tropical cyclone Nando, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Friday. "Nando is forecast to intensify as it goes near the Philippine landmass. It could possibly intensify into a typhoon on Saturday and it could even reach the super typhoon category on Monday," PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando said in a press conference.

According to Philippines News Agency, Nando is the fourth tropical cyclone in the country this month and is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing strong winds and heavy rains. The hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is possible in the northern portion of Luzon starting on Saturday, with the potential escalation to Signal No. 5 by Monday. Servando advised the public to prepare and heed local governments' advisories to minimize Nando's impacts. He urged precautions against possible flooding, landslides, and storm surges.

Tropical Storm Nando was located 1,005 kilometers east of Central Luzon as of 1 p.m. Friday. PAGASA forecaster Benison Estareja stated that while the storm is still far, it will enhance the southwest monsoon in the coming days. The eastern portion of Northern Luzon may start feeling Nando's effects on Saturday, with areas such as Aparri, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte experiencing strong winds. The southern portion of Batanes and Babuyan Islands may be under Signal No. 4 or 5 in the next few days. On Monday until Tuesday, up to 200 mm of rainfall is forecast in Cagayan, Batanes, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte.