Tropical Depression Paolo nears PH, may become typhoon before landfall

Tropical Depression Paolo, the 16th cyclone to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this year, has formed east of Catanduanes.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Paolo was located 665 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with sustained winds of 55 kph and gusts of up to 70 kph.

Signal No. 1 has been raised in the northern portion of Catanduanes.

The tropical depression is moving westward at 25 kph and is expected to bring heavy rains to parts of Northern and Central Luzon by Friday, October 3.

PAGASA projects Paolo to make landfall on Friday morning or afternoon in Isabela or northern Aurora.

Paolo is forecast to intensify into a severe tropical storm by Friday morning and could strengthen into a typhoon before making landfall or upon exiting into the West Philippine Sea.

The highest wind signal expected during Paolo's passage is Signal No. 3, with a possibility of raising Signal No. 4 if Paolo reaches typhoon strength before landfall.

A moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge with peak heights reaching 1.0 to 2.0 meters over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora is expected.