Severe Tropical Storm Ofel intensifies, may make landfall Thursday

Severe Tropical Storm Ofel, internationally known as Usagi, has intensified over the Philippine Sea.

As of late Tuesday evening, Ofel was located 630 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kph and gustiness of up to 135 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), northeastern Isabela, and eastern Apayao, with minimal to minor impacts from strong winds expected.

Ofel is expected to make landfall along the east coast of Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday afternoon or evening.

PAGASA warned that Ofel could intensify into a typhoon by Wednesday, which would prompt the issuance of Signal No. 4.

The storm is predicted to bring intense to torrential rainfall in Isabela and Cagayan by Wednesday, with heavy to intense rains in several other northern Luzon provinces.

A minimal to moderate storm surge may occur in the next 48 hours in the coastal localities of Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Isabela, and northern Aurora.