Manila: Ofel, internationally known as Usagi, has strengthened into a typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching up to 150 kph, as reported by the weather bureau on Wednesday. The typhoon was positioned 475 km east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, or 595 km east of Daet, Camarines Norte, as of 4 a.m. According to Philippines News Agency, the 5 a.m. bulletin from the weather bureau indicates that tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 has been raised over several areas. These include Cagayan with the Babuyan Islands, parts of Isabela, Apayao, and the eastern portions of Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao, where strong winds are expected. Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes are likely to experience strong to gale-force gusts. Moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated in Isabela and Cagayan. PAGASA has warned of a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges, potentially reaching 2 to 3 meters in the next 48 hours, particularly affecting the c oastal areas of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and northern Aurora. Additionally, rough seas are predicted for the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, prompting PAGASA to advise mariners of small seacrafts and motor bancas to avoid venturing into the sea. Ofel is projected to make landfall over the east coast of Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday and is expected to intensify further within the next 24 hours.