Kiyapo strengthened from a tropical depression into a tropical storm on Friday, July 24, 2026, as it approached extreme northern Luzon, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to several provinces.
According to PAGASA, Kiyapo intensified at 2 a.m. on Friday with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gustiness of 80 km/h. As of 7 a.m., it was located 260 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, moving west at 20 km/h.
The agency expects it to pass close to the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan on Friday morning or afternoon, and to pass very close to or make landfall in the Babuyan Islands in the afternoon or evening. It may strengthen further into a severe tropical storm after passing the Babuyan Islands.
Signal No. 2 was raised over Batanes, northern mainland Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, and northern Ilocos Norte. Many other areas in Luzon are under Signal No. 1. The storm and the southwest monsoon led to class suspensions in multiple provinces.
