'Santi' now a severe tropical storm - PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical cyclone "Santi" has slightly accelerated as it moves towards the Aurora-Isabela area, the state weather bureau said Thursday afternoon.

In its 5 p.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Santi was last observed at 490 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora and is now a "severe" tropical storm."

In a televised press briefing, PAGASA said Santi may intensify into a typhoon within 24 hours.

Moving west at 15 kilometers per hour, Santi is packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 120 kilometers per hour.

Santi is expected to be at 160 kilometers east of Baler by Friday afternoon at the vicinity of Iba, Zambales by Saturday afternoon.

Public storm warning signal no. 1 is hoisted over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Isabela, and Aurora, Quezon including Polilio islands and Camarines Norte.

Residents in these areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.