Manila: Some areas in Northern Luzon were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 as Typhoon Ofel (international name Usagi) maintained its strength, the weather bureau said Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, TCWS No. 2 is hoisted over the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan, which includes Baggao, Peñablanca, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, and Santa Ana, as well as the eastern portion of Isabela, covering Maconacon, Divilacan, and Palanan. Gale-force winds are expected in these regions. Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is in effect over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, the remaining parts of mainland Cagayan and Isabela, and several other areas including Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, parts of Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and northern portions of Aurora. These areas are likely to experience strong winds. PAGASA forecaster Chris Perez explained in a briefing that the lead times of TCWS No. 2 and No. 1 are 24 hours and 36 hours, respectively, to allow the public to pre pare for the cyclone's impact. Ofel currently packs maximum sustained winds of 120 kph with gusts up to 150 kph and is positioned 485 km east-northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte, or 610 km east of Infanta, Quezon. Moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated over Isabela, Cagayan, and Catanduanes, raising the possibility of isolated landslides and flooding. Perez warned that more areas could experience heavy rains and higher wind signals as Ofel approaches and a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge is predicted for coastal areas of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and northern Aurora. Sea travel remains risky over the seaboards of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, northern Aurora, and the Babuyan Islands due to very rough or high seas. Ofel may make landfall over Cagayan or Isabela on Thursday and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Monday. In addition, Tropical Storm Man-yi is expected to enter PAR on Thursday night an d will be named Pepito. With maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph, it was located 1,965 km east of Eastern Visayas. Man-yi could make landfall over Bicol Region or Eastern Visayas this weekend and might also affect Northern and Central Luzon. Residents in these areas are advised to coordinate with local disaster risk reduction offices for safety measures.