Tropical cyclone Ofel (international name: Usagi) intensified into a severe tropical storm on Tuesday afternoon and is forecast to steadily intensify within three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Ofel has intensified into a severe tropical storm on Tuesday afternoon as it traverses over the Philippine Sea, PAGASA said. According to the state weather bureau’s 5 p.m. bulletin, the center of the storm was spotted 780 kilometers east of Virac,

Severe Tropical Storm Ofel (Usagi) is projected to 'steadily intensify,' while Tropical Storm Nika (Toraji) is no longer affecting the country as it leaves the Philippine Area of Responsibility

The center of TS "Ofel" was estimated based on all available data at 950 km east of southeastern Luzon (13.8°N, 133.0°E).

This handout photo courtesy of Lie Anne Elacion Fabrigas taken and received on Monday shows a woman outside her damaged home in Dilasag, Aurora province after Typhoon Nika (Toraji) hit the nation's northeast coast.

Tropical Storm Ofel (Usagi) is yet another tropical cyclone heading for Luzon, where it may wreak havoc. It arrives even before the exit of Severe Tropical Storm Nika (Toraji).