Tropical Storm ADA (international name: Nokaen) continues to influence weather conditions across large parts of Mindanao, bringing periods of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas, particularly in the islandโs eastern sections, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
While the storm remains offshore, weather experts warn that its interaction with the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) is enough to trigger dangerous weather conditions, including flooding and landslides, even without a direct landfall.
Where is Tropical Storm ADA now?
As of 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the center of Tropical Storm ADA was located about 400 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte (10.3ยฐN, 129.1ยฐE).
The storm is packing maximum sustained winds: 65 kilometers per hour with wind gusts: up to 80 kph. It moves northwestward at 15 kph.
PAGASA said ADA is expected to continue enhancing the northeast monsoon, leading to widespread rain and unstable weather across Mindanao from Friday morning until early Saturday.
Which areas are most affected?
Caraga Region and nearby provinces
The provinces of Surigao del Norte and the Dinagat Islands are under the direct influence of Tropical Storm ADA and are expected to experience moderate to heavy rains with gusty winds.
PAGASA warned of possible flash floods and landslides, especially in low-lying areas, mountainous and upland communities, and coastal villages.
While the threat to life and property remains minimal to minor, residents are advised to remain on alert.
Other parts of CaragaโAgusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Surโas well as Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon, will have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms, which could still trigger flooding in vulnerable areas.
What about the rest of Mindanao?
PAGASA said the rest of Mindanao, including Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These areas will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorm activity.
Authorities warned that even isolated thunderstorms can result in sudden flooding and landslides, particularly in areas with poor drainage or steep terrain.
Why are seas expected to be rough?
Eastern Mindanao
Moderate to strong winds from the northeast to northwest will prevail over eastern Mindanao, including:
-
Davao Oriental
-
Surigao provinces
-
Dinagat Islands
Sea conditions in these areas are expected to be moderate to rough, with wave heights ranging from 2.1 to 4.0 meters.
The state weather bureau advises small seacraft operators and fisherfolk to avoid venturing out to sea in these areas.
The rest of Mindanao will have light to moderate winds with slight to moderate seas ranging from 0.6 to 2.1 meters.
What should the public do?
PAGASA urged:
-
Residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to take precautionary measures
-
Local government units and disaster risk reduction offices to maintain heightened preparedness
-
Mariners and fisherfolk to heed sea travel advisories
The public is advised to closely monitor official weather bulletins, as weather conditions may change rapidly while Tropical Storm ADA continues moving northwestward.
Why this matters
Even without making landfall, tropical storms like ADA can still cause significant damage by intensifying monsoon rains, leading to flooding, landslides, and dangerous sea conditionsโrisks that are especially high in eastern Mindanao.
Authorities stress that early preparedness and timely information remain the best defense against weather-related hazards.
About The Author
