Tropical Storm Kristine strengthens, may make landfall Wednesday evening

Tropical Storm Kristine has intensified with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 90 km/h.

The storm has slowed its movement to 10 km/h, with its latest location at 345 kilometers east northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte.

PAGASA forecasts Kristine to strengthen into a severe tropical storm before making landfall in Isabela or the northern part of Aurora on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.

Tropical Wind Signal No. 2 has been raised over Catanduanes, the eastern portions of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon, as well as the northeastern portion of Northern Samar and the northern portion of Eastern Samar.

Signal No. 1 is hoisted over numerous provinces across Luzon and parts of the Visayas, including Metro Manila.

Rain from the storm is battering the Bicol region the most, with Metro Manila experiencing moderate to heavy rain.

Kristine is expected to cross Northern Luzon's mountainous terrain, potentially weakening slightly, before emerging over the waters west of the Ilocos Region on Thursday afternoon or evening.

Re-intensification may occur over the West Philippine Sea after it exits the PAR by Friday.