The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Nika” (international name: Toraji) rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a severe tropical storm while over the Philippine Sea at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10.br br PAGASA Weather Specialist Grace Castañeda said in a public weather forecast that Nika is expected to strengthen further and reach typhoon status later in the day as it continues to undergo “rapid intensification.