Typhoon Ofel maintains strength, may make landfall Thursday

Typhoon Ofel has maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts of up to 150 km/h.

Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 include eastern portions of Cagayan and Isabela, where gale-force winds are expected.

TCWS No. 1 has been raised over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, the rest of mainland Cagayan and Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, eastern Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and northern Aurora.

Ofel is currently located 485 km east northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte, moving northwestward at 20 km/h.

Moderate to heavy rain is expected to begin on Wednesday, with affected areas advised to watch out for floods and landslides.

It is expected to move west northwestward and make landfall along the east coast of Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday.

The highest possible tropical cyclone wind signal that could be raised is Signal No. 4.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Man-yi is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility soon.