By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
After entering the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday night and intensifying into a tropical depression on Wednesday morning, Paolo slightly intensified as it continued to move over the Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) 5:00 p.m. bulletin.
Paolo was last located 665 km east of Virac, Catanduanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gustiness of up to 70 kph, as it moves west northwestward at 25 kph.
The state weather bureau has already hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 in
the northern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga), noting TD Paolo’s closer proximity to the Philippine landmass.
PAGASA likewise noted the possibility of raising a gale warning over the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon Thursday afternoon, with rough seas expected over these coastal waters.
TD Paolo is forecast to intensify to a severe tropical storm or typhoon, prior to making landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday morning or afternoon.
The state weather bureau advises residents living near mountainous areas or in low-lying areas to constantly monitor weather conditions and advisories from the national and local governments.
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