The Philippines, barely past the triple storms of September, braces anew as the 16th tropical cyclone, ‘Paolo,’ formed east of Catanduanes on Wednesday morning, October 1.
According to PAGASA, Tropical Depression Paolo was last spotted 760 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 55 kph.
Paolo developed around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, only 12 hours after the low-pressure area entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).
It is currently moving westward at 25 kph, with strong winds extending outwards up to 360 kilometers from the center.
No wind signals have been raised as of 11 a.m., but PAGASA said Signal No. 1 may be hoisted as early as Wednesday afternoon or evening.
Although the tropical depression is unlikely to affect local weather immediately within the next 24 hours, heavy rains are expected by Friday, October 3.
Forecast track
PAGASA said Paolo is projected to make landfall on Friday, either in Isabela or northern Aurora by morning or afternoon. While the current forecast shows the storm crossing Luzon, the weather bureau noted that its track could still shift southward.
The cyclone is expected to intensify further over Philippine waters, possibly reaching severe tropical storm strength by Friday and even strengthening into a typhoon before landfall.
Wind Signal No. 3 may be the highest warning raised as Paolo crosses the country, though Signal No. 4 is possible if it intensifies into a typhoon.
PAGASA also said as many as four tropical cyclones may enter PAR this October.