Severe Tropical Storm Phanfone (locally known as Ursula) is expected to intensify into a Typhoon rapidly as it moves closer to central parts of the Philippines. 

Landfall is expected to be near Borongang City, Eastern Samar tonight. The system will weaken as it makes landfall but continue across in a westward direction, affecting Southern Masbate, Romblon and Southern Mindoro on Christmas Day. 

Phanfone is expected to bring widespread heavy rain of more than 100mm, with accumulated totals of up to 350mm possible in some parts. Wind gusts could exceed 100km/h within a 25km radius of the typhoon between tonight and Christmas morning. For storm surge prone areas, waves may exceed 3 metres. 

This will be the second typhoon the Philippines has faced this month, with Typhoon Kammuri (Tisoy) crossing the coast on December 2nd as a Category Four storm along the southeastern tip of Luzon.