MANILA – Tropical Storm Maymay intensified early Wednesday and is expected to make landfall over Ilocos Sur or La Union by this afternoon or evening, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 5 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Maymay was estimated at 170 kilometers west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour, gusts of up to 80 kph, and moving slowly southeastward.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 remains in effect over the central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur, the northern and central portions of La Union, the northwestern portion of Pangasinan, the southwestern portion of Abra, the western portion of Mountain Province, and the northwestern portion of Benguet, where gale-force winds posing a minor to moderate threat to life and property are expected within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 has been raised over Ilocos Norte, the rest of Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and portions of Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora. These areas may experience strong winds with minimal to minor impactswithin 36 hours.

PAGASA warned that Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon will continue to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions across much of Luzon and parts of the Visayas.

Very rough seas of up to 4.5 meters are forecast over the seaboards of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, prompting PAGASA to advise all vessels to remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately. A Gale Warning also remains in effect over the western seaboard of Northern Luzon.

The weather bureau said Maymay is expected to move generally eastward, cross Northern and Central Luzon after landfall, and weaken into a tropical depression by Thursday morning before possibly degenerating into a low pressure area by Thursday afternoon or evening.

PAGASA urged residents in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and strong winds to take precautionary measures and follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities.