Baler: Tropical cyclone Paolo, internationally known as Matmo, has intensified into a severe tropical storm as it approaches Northern Luzon. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm was last located east of Baler, Aurora, carrying maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center and gustiness reaching up to 115 kph. It has slightly accelerated, moving westward at 30 kph.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 is now in effect over the extreme northern portion of Aurora, including Dilasag and Casiguran, as well as the central and southern portions of Isabela and several other areas. These regions are expected to experience storm-force winds. Meanwhile, TCWS No. 2 has been raised over the southern portion of mainland Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, and other nearby areas, where gale-force winds are anticipated.

TCWS No. 1 is currently in place over the remaining parts of mainland Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, parts of Aurora, and other regions, which are likely to face strong winds. The weather bureau has also cautioned about the potential for moderate to high risk of storm surge, with peak heights of 1 to 3 meters expected within 36 hours in low-lying coastal areas of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon.

Paolo is likely to make landfall over southern Isabela or northern Aurora by Friday morning, moving across the landmass of Northern Luzon. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning.