MANILA: Tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 4 is hoisted over the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan, specifically in Santa Ana, Gonzaga, and Santa Teresita, as Typhoon Ofel, internationally known as Usagi, further intensifies, according to the weather bureau. In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Ofel packs maximum sustained winds of 165 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph, nearing the super typhoon category. It was last located 215 km east of Echague, Isabela. According to Philippines News Agency, areas under TCWS no. 4 will experience typhoon-force winds, while storm-force winds are expected in regions under TCWS no. 3. These include the northwestern, central, and eastern portions of mainland Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, the northeastern portion of Isabela, and the northern portion of Apayao. TCWS no. 2 is raised over Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, portions of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, and Ilocos Norte, where gale-force winds will prevail. The rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and other areas are under TCWS no. 1, with forecasts of strong winds. Intense to torrential rains are expected in Cagayan and Isabela, while heavy to intense rains are anticipated in Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and Kalinga. Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Aurora are expected to experience moderate to heavy rains. There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge with peak heights reaching 1 to 3 meters in the next 48 hours over low-lying or exposed coastal localities in Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and northern Aurora. A gale warning is in effect over the northern and eastern seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, making sea travel risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. Ofel is forecasted to make landfall over the eastern coast of Cagayan or northern Isabela on Thursday a fternoon. PAGASA predicts Ofel to further intensify within 12 hours and reach peak intensity during landfall.