Typhoon Ofel intensifies, 2 more areas under Signal No. 2

Typhoon Ofel has intensified slightly as it nears northern Luzon, with PAGASA raising Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 over additional areas.

Currently, Signal No. 2 is in effect for Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela, and the eastern portion of Apayao, where gale-force winds are expected.

Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, the northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Aurora.

PAGASA warns of intense to torrential rains over Cagayan and Isabela, with moderate to heavy rains expected over several other provinces in Northern Luzon.

Ofel was last located 480 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of up to 120 kph and gusts of up to 150 kph.

Another tropical depression, 'Pepito,' is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on November 14.