Tuguegarao City: Ofel, internationally known as Usagi, has been upgraded to a super typhoon, according to the weather bureau. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Ofel is generating maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near its center, with gusts reaching up to 230 kph. As of 7 a.m., the typhoon was approximately 165 km east-northeast of Echague, Isabela, or 165 km east-southeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. According to Philippines News Agency, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 5 has been raised over the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan, affecting areas such as Santa Ana and Gonzaga. Meanwhile, TCWS No. 4 is in effect over the southeastern portion of Babuyan Islands, including Camiguin Island, and extends to various regions in mainland Cagayan and northeastern Isabela. These areas are expected to experience typhoon-force winds. Additionally, storm-force winds are anticipated in regions under TCWS No. 3, which include the rest of the Babuyan Islands, parts of Cagayan, and several areas in Isabela, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. Gale-force winds are predicted for locations under TCWS No. 2, affecting Batanes, parts of Isabela, Quirino, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and Aurora. Strong winds are forecasted for areas under TCWS No. 1, impacting regions in Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and La Union. There is a significant risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak heights reaching 1 to 3 meters over the next 48 hours in coastal areas of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and northern Aurora. A gale warning has been issued for the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, making sea travel risky for all types of vessels. PAGASA forecasts that Ofel will make landfall over the eastern coast of Cagayan or northern Isabela this afternoon.