Typhoon Carina Strengthens in Philippine Sea, Expected to Affect Northern Philippines

Typhoon Carina, previously a tropical storm, intensified into a severe tropical storm on Sunday evening, July 21, while hovering over the Philippine Sea. The storm's maximum sustained winds increased to 95 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 115 km/h. While Carina is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines, its outer rainbands will bring moderate to intense rain to northern provinces. PAGASA, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, has raised Signal No. 1 for the northeastern part of Cagayan province, indicating strong winds within 36 hours. Carina is projected to strengthen into a typhoon on Monday, July 22, with rapid intensification expected. The storm is also enhancing the southwest monsoon, causing rain and potential floods and landslides in Luzon. Strong to gale-force gusts are anticipated in various regions and provinces. Rough seas are expected in the northern and eastern seaboards of the country, with waves reaching 1.5 to 3.5 meters high. Small boats are advised to stay ashore. Carina is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday night, July 24, or early Thursday morning, July 25, moving near or over the islands of Japan's Ryukyu archipelago. From Thursday onwards, Carina will move over the East China Sea towards southeastern China.