TS Kristine intensifies, may make landfall by Wednesday evening

Tropical Storm "Kristine" (international name "Trami") has intensified with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph, located 335 km east of Virac, Catanduanes, moving west northwestward at 10 kph.

PAGASA has hoisted tropical cyclone wind signal no. 2 over Catanduanes and no. 1 over Metro Manila and 42 other areas, with nearly the entire Luzon under wind signals.

The highest tropical cyclone wind signal that may be raised during the passage of Kristine is Signal No. 3.

There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge in the next 48 hours over coastal localities of Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Aurora, Isabela, and Cagayan.

Kristine is forecast to make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, potentially intensifying into a severe tropical storm.

It is expected to cross Northern Luzon, potentially weakening slightly over the mountainous terrain, then emerge over the waters west of Ilocos Region on Thursday afternoon or evening.

Over the West Philippine Sea, Kristine may reach typhoon category before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday.

Several areas across the country may also experience rains due to Kristine's vast circulation.