Catanduanes: Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 has been raised in parts of Catanduanes as Tropical Depression Paolo intensified, according to the weather bureau’s 5 p.m. bulletin on Wednesday. The areas expected to experience strong winds include the towns of Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, and Viga.
According to Philippines News Agency, Paolo is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour near the center and gustiness reaching up to 70 km per hour. The tropical depression was located 665 km east of Virac, Catanduanes as of 4 p.m.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued warnings of a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges. Peak heights could reach 1 to 2 meters within 48 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora.
PAGASA also forecasts that Paolo may reach the severe tropical storm category by Friday, with a potential landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday morning or afternoon. The weather system is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday.
