Ofel to reach typhoon category before landfall

Tropical Storm Ofel is forecast to intensify into a typhoon before it makes landfall over Northern or Central Luzon by tomorrow, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said yesterday.

- ROMINA CABRERA

PAGASA said Ofel was monitored 950 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon as it moves northwestward at 35 km per hour, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

It is steadily intensifying and may peak intensity just prior to landfall.

PAGASA warned there could be shifts in the track and that it is too early to determine the specific areas to be affected.

"Areas in Northern Luzon are at risk of heavy rainfall, severe wind and possibly storm surge inundation from Ofel which may cause considerable impacts," PAGASA said in a bulletin.

Ofel could still follow a more southerly path and could affect the eastern portions of Central and Southern Luzon.

Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 4 could be the highest signal hoisted during Ofel's passage.

Ofel entered the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday just as Nika exited PAR at 2 p.m.

Intense to torrential rains of more than 200 mm are forecast over Isabela and Cagayan by Friday afternoon.

PAGASA is monitoring another storm outside PAR, with international name Man-yi.

The cyclone, which will be named Pepito, was monitored 2,495 km east of Southeastern Luzon.