Manila: Tropical Storm Ramil has intensified as it approaches the coastal waters of Northern Samar, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). As of 10 a.m., Ramil was located over the coastal waters of Palapag, Northern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph, moving west-southwestward at 20 kph.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been raised over several areas, including the northern portion of Aurora (Casiguran, Dilasag, and Dinalungan), Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, the northern portion of Camarines Sur, the extreme eastern portion of Albay, the northeastern portion of Sorsogon, and the northeastern portion of Northern Samar. Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is in effect over a wide range of areas including Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and other regions across Luzon and parts of the Visayas.

PAGASA has indicated that after a brief west-southwestward trajectory, Ramil is expected to shift to a west-northwestward or northwestward path. The storm’s center might make landfall or pass close to Northern Samar by Saturday noon or early afternoon, then proceed over Catanduanes by late Saturday.

The chances of Ramil making landfall over Albay or Sorsogon are increasing, as noted by PAGASA. Following this, the storm is forecasted to continue its west-northwestward movement, potentially passing close or directly over the mainland Bicol Region and Polillo Islands. Another landfall is possible in the vicinity of Aurora by Sunday morning or afternoon, although a northern Quezon or southern Isabela landfall is not ruled out.

PAGASA further forecasts that after making landfall in Aurora, Ramil will traverse Northern Luzon’s mountainous areas before emerging over the coastal waters of Pangasinan or La Union by Sunday evening. The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday morning.