NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Tropical Storm Paolo Intensifies, Threatens Northern Luzon With Gale-Force Winds
Photo credit: DOST-PAGASA
Tropical Storm Paolo, internationally known as Matmo, continues its path over the Philippine Sea, steadily gaining strength as it approaches the country. As of the 8:00 PM bulletin on October 2, 2025, the storm's center was estimated to be 370 kilometers East of Baler, Aurora. Paolo is currently moving west-northwestward at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour.
The storm is now packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near its center, with gustiness reaching up to 105 kilometers per hour. Forecasters predict Paolo will continue to intensify, potentially reaching severe tropical storm category as early as tonight or tomorrow morning. While the current projection has Paolo making landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora tomorrow morning, October 3, the possibility of it intensifying into a typhoon before hitting land has not been ruled out. After crossing the landmass, it is expected to move out over the West Philippine Sea tomorrow afternoon and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning.
Due to the approaching storm, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been hoisted over a number of areas, including the southern portion of mainland Cagayan, all of Isabela, portions of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region, the central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur, and the northern portion of Aurora. Residents in these locations should prepare for gale-force winds ranging from 62 to 88 kilometers per hour within 24 hours, which poses a minor to moderate threat to life and property. Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is in effect for a much larger area, covering the rest of mainland Cagayan, the rest of Northern and Central Luzon, up to the northern portions of Bulacan, Pampanga, Quezon, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes. These areas can expect strong winds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour within 36 hours.
Beyond the wind threat, a moderate to high risk of a life-threatening storm surge is expected. Coastal localities in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon could experience peak storm surge heights reaching 1.0 to 3.0 meters within the next 36 hours. Sea travel remains extremely risky for all types of vessels over the eastern seaboard of Northern and Central Luzon, where up to very rough seas are expected. The public, especially those living in low-lying or exposed areas, is strongly advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property and heed the instructions of local disaster risk reduction and management officials.
The storm is now packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near its center, with gustiness reaching up to 105 kilometers per hour. Forecasters predict Paolo will continue to intensify, potentially reaching severe tropical storm category as early as tonight or tomorrow morning. While the current projection has Paolo making landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora tomorrow morning, October 3, the possibility of it intensifying into a typhoon before hitting land has not been ruled out. After crossing the landmass, it is expected to move out over the West Philippine Sea tomorrow afternoon and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning.
Due to the approaching storm, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been hoisted over a number of areas, including the southern portion of mainland Cagayan, all of Isabela, portions of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region, the central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur, and the northern portion of Aurora. Residents in these locations should prepare for gale-force winds ranging from 62 to 88 kilometers per hour within 24 hours, which poses a minor to moderate threat to life and property. Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is in effect for a much larger area, covering the rest of mainland Cagayan, the rest of Northern and Central Luzon, up to the northern portions of Bulacan, Pampanga, Quezon, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes. These areas can expect strong winds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour within 36 hours.
Beyond the wind threat, a moderate to high risk of a life-threatening storm surge is expected. Coastal localities in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon could experience peak storm surge heights reaching 1.0 to 3.0 meters within the next 36 hours. Sea travel remains extremely risky for all types of vessels over the eastern seaboard of Northern and Central Luzon, where up to very rough seas are expected. The public, especially those living in low-lying or exposed areas, is strongly advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property and heed the instructions of local disaster risk reduction and management officials.
Oct 2, 2025
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