Tropical Storm Ada (Nokaen) has moved over the coastal waters of Baras, Catanduanes, packing 85 km/h winds while heading northwest. PAGASA warns it could intensify into a severe tropical storm, bringing heavy rain and winds to the Bicol Region and nearby areas. The storm is expected to weaken into a depression by Tuesday.
On the morning of January 17, 2026, the center of Tropical Storm Ada was located over the coastal waters of Baras, Catanduanes, moving northwest at 25 km/h. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), its maximum sustained winds stood at 85 km/h with gusts up to 115 km/h, nearly reaching severe tropical storm strength (89-117 km/h).
PAGASA raised Signal No. 2 over eastern Camarines Norte, eastern and central Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar, indicating gale-force winds of 62-88 km/h that pose a minor to moderate threat to life and property. Signal No. 1 was hoisted in eastern Quezon including Polillo Islands, Marinduque, the rest of Camarines Norte and Sur, Masbate, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, northern Leyte, and northern Cebu, with strong winds of 39-61 km/h causing minimal to minor threats.
Signal No. 3 could be issued if the storm intensifies further. It is forecast to pass near Catanduanes from Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning, though a westward track shift could lead to landfall in the Bicol Region. Despite this, Ada is expected to maintain tropical storm strength over the waters east of southern Luzon but weaken into a tropical depression by January 20 due to the northeast monsoon.
Rainfall forecasts predict intense to torrential amounts (over 200 mm) in Catanduanes over the next 24 hours, with heavy rain (100-200 mm) in Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar. A minimal to moderate risk of storm surges up to 2 meters affects Bicol, Masbate, and parts of Eastern Visayas within 48 hours. Seas are very rough, with waves up to 5 meters along the seaboards of Camarines Norte, northern Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.
Ada marks the Philippines' first tropical cyclone of 2026, with PAGASA anticipating two to eight more in the first half of the year. The northeast monsoon, enhanced by Ada's periphery, is bringing strong to gale-force gusts to northern and eastern Luzon, as well as portions of the Visayas.
