The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Wednesday, Oct. 1, that Tropical Depression Paolo is expected to track west-northwestward and may make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora by Friday, Oct. 3, either in the morning or afternoon.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA located the center of the tropical depression 760 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
The weather bureau said Paolo is likely to intensify over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm category by Friday morning.
“Further intensification into a typhoon prior to landfall is not ruled out,” it added.
PAGASA also noted that a possible southward shift in Paolo’s track could occur depending on the strength of the high pressure area north of the cyclone.
Although Paolo will not yet affect the country’s weather in the next 24 hours, heavy rains are expected over Northern and Central Luzon from Friday until the weekend.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over the eastern portions of Northern and Central Luzon as early as Wednesday afternoon or evening.
PAGASA said Signal No. 3 is the highest wind warning likely during its passage, though “the worst-case scenario is Signal No. 4” if Paolo intensifies into a typhoon before landfall. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
