Tropical Storm Paolo Intensifies, Benguet Now Under Signal No. 1

Tropical Depression Paolo has intensified into a Tropical Storm while moving west northwestward over the Philippine Sea. Benguet and several provinces in Luzon are now under Signal No. 1.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Location of Center (4:00 AM): 705 km East of Infanta, Quezon (14.6°N, 128.2°E)
• Intensity: Maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 80 km/h, and central pressure of 1000 hPa
• Present Movement: West northwestward at 20 km/h
• Extent of Winds: Strong to gale-force winds extend outwards up to 250 km from the center
• Paolo is forecast to make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora by tomorrow morning, 03 October. It may reach Severe Tropical Storm category and possibly Typhoon strength before or after landfall. Further intensification over the West Philippine Sea is likely.

Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 (Strong winds, minimal to minor impacts):
Luzon:

• Mainland Cagayan
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Apayao
• Abra
• Kalinga
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Benguet
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Pangasinan
• Northern portion of Zambales (Palauig, Masinloc, Candelaria, Santa Cruz)
• Tarlac
• Nueva Ecija
• Aurora
• Northern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, San Miguel, San Ildefonso)
• Northern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba, Mabalacat City)
• Northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar) including Polillo Islands
• Northern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga)

The highest Wind Signal that may be hoisted is Signal No. 3, though Signal No. 4 cannot be ruled out if Paolo reaches Typhoon strength.

Hazards Affecting Land Areas

• Heavy Rainfall Outlook: Heavy rains may begin affecting Northern and Central Luzon by Friday, 03 October. Flooding and landslides are possible in low-lying and mountainous areas.
• Coastal Inundation: Moderate risk of storm surge with peak heights of 1.0 to 2.0 m within 36 hours over the coastal localities of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

• 24-Hour Sea Condition Outlook: Gale Warnings may be raised over the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon this afternoon due to rough to very rough sea conditions caused by Paolo.

Advisory

Residents in areas under Signal No. 1, including Benguet, are advised to prepare for heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surge, and to follow evacuation and safety instructions from local authorities.