Pagasa weather bureau chief Nathaniel Cruz said Reming might intensify further while in Philippine seas.
"If ever, this will be the third super typhoon to hit the country this year," Cruz said during a press conference at the Pagasa main office in Quezon City.
As of 11 a.m. yesterday, Reming was spotted 870 kilometers east of Samar. It was moving west-northwest at 26 kph.
Public storm signal No. 1 was hoisted over Catanduanes, with Pagasa warning of possible landslides and flashfloods.
The tropical storm is expected to be at 330 kilometers east of Catanduanes this afternoon, 170 kms southeast of Baler, Aurora by Thursday afternoon and 80 kms west of Dagupan City by Friday.
Based on its present speed and direction, Reming is weaker than typhoon "Milenyo" but there is a possibility that it may surpass the strength of Milenyo, which struck Metro Manila and nearby provinces last Sept. 28.
Super typhoons "Paeng" and "Queenie" also hit the country last month, causing landslides and flashfloods in some areas as well as massive damage to property.
Pagasa has already coordinated with the National Disaster Coordinating Council-Office of the Civil Defense on the possible track of Reming.
Cruz warned divers who are conducting rescue operations off Surigao City of big waves associated with Reming.
The ferryboat M/B Leonida II that sank off Hinatuan Island last Saturday was reportedly overloaded and was carrying 300 sacks of cement, 18 sacks of rice, and cases of softdrinks when it was hit by huge waves on its way to Del Carmen town in Siargao Island from Surigao City.
About 20 typhoons and tropical storms lash the Philippines each year. Reming is the 18th to enter the country this year. Pagasa said one more typhoon is expected to hit the country before the year ends. — With AFP, AP