TS Paolo intensifies, PAGASA raises TCWS No. 2 in 3 areas

Tropical Storm Paolo has intensified, prompting PAGASA to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in southeastern Isabela, northern Quirino, and northern Aurora.

Signal No. 1 is now in effect over 24 other areas across Luzon and Catanduanes, with no wind signals raised in Visayas or Mindanao.

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, Paolo was located 575 km east of Infanta, Quezon, moving west-northwestward at 20 kph with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph and gusts up to 90 kph.

The storm is projected to intensify into a severe tropical storm by Friday evening and may become a typhoon over the West Philippine Sea.

Paolo is expected to make landfall over southern Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday morning.

Outer rainbands are already affecting Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, and southern Quezon, with heavy to torrential rains anticipated in Northern and Central Luzon.

The storm is forecast to be over the West Philippine Sea by Friday afternoon and exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning.