Tropical Storm Nika approaches typhoon strength as it heads for northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Nika, also known as Toraji, is approaching typhoon strength as it moves westward. As of Sunday afternoon, it was located 380 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour. Nika is expected to intensify to around 130 kilometers per hour before making landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Monday. It will then cross northern Luzon and emerge over the West Philippine Sea by Monday evening. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals have been issued across various regions. Signal No. 2 indicates winds of 62 to 88 kilometers per hour, while Signal No. 1 warns of winds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour. A gale warning is also in effect for the eastern seaboard of Luzon.