Tropical Cyclone “Ofel” (international name: Usagi) intensified into a severe tropical storm as it advanced through the Philippine Sea on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Ofel was located 780 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching 115 kph.

Landfall

PAGASA said the severe tropical storm may continue its west-northwest movement over the Philippine Sea and could make landfall over the eastern parts of Cagayan or Isabela by Thursday afternoon or evening, Nov. 14.

Regardless of the exact landfall point, PAGASA pointed out that hazardous conditions could affect areas beyond the landfall point, including both inland and coastal regions.

Wind Signal No. 1 could be raised over parts of Cagayan Valley as early as Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, Nov. 13.

PAGASA also warned that Ofel could intensify into a typhoon by Wednesday, which would prompt the issuance of Signal No. 4. A typhoon has a wind speed of 118 to 184 kph.

It said moderate to heavy rainfall may prevail over parts of northern Luzon by Wednesday afternoon.

Storm Man-yi

Meanwhile, PAGASA continues to monitor Tropical Storm “Man-yi,” currently outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), but expected to enter the PAR in the coming days.

Once inside, it will be named “Pepito.”

As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the center of Man-yi was located 2,495 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph and gusts reaching 90 kph.

It is moving west-northwest at 30 kph.