'Paolo' may intensify into severe tropical storm ahead of landfall; Signal No. 3 or 4 possible

Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) continues to intensify over the Philippine Sea and could reach severe tropical storm strength before making landfall over Isabela or Aurora by Friday, Oct. 3, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Thursday, Oct. 2.

- ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Paolo had slightly intensified, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph.

It will be upgraded to a severe tropical storm once it reaches maximum winds of 87 kph.

"Paolo will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm category tonight (Oct. 2). Further intensification into a typhoon prior to landfall is not ruled out," PAGASA said.

"However, based on the intensity forecast, intensification into a typhoon is highly likely once Paolo emerges over the West Philippine Sea," it added.

Forecast track The center of the storm was located about 575 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon, at 10 a.m.

If Paolo maintains its west-northwestward movement at 20 kph, it is expected to make landfall over southern Isabela or northern Aurora by Friday morning.

PAGASA pointed out that a southward shift in its track is possible depending on the strength of the highpressure area located north of Paolo.

In a press conference on Thursday, PAGASA senior weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio added that the cyclone's wide circulation means several areas in Northern and Central Luzon, as well as parts of Southern Luzon, could be affected.

After crossing Northern Luzon, Paolo will emerge over the West Philippine Sea on Friday afternoon and continue moving west-northwestward until it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning, Oct. 4.