Ofel strengthens into typhoon as six Luzon areas face wind warning
Severe Tropical Storm Ofel has intensified into a typhoon, prompting the Philippine weather bureau to issue Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in six areas of Luzon. Ofel is currently located 476 kilometers east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes. The typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour and is moving westward at 25 kilometers per hour. Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience intermittent rains and winds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour in the next 36 hours. Ofel is expected to continue intensifying and may make landfall along the eastern coast of Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday afternoon. A moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges is also anticipated in coastal areas.