MANILA – Cyclone "Karen" has intensified into a tropical storm, prompting weather bureau PAGASA on Thursday to ask local government and risk management officials to prepare for the possible upgrading of tropical cyclone warning signals over some areas.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected within the 300-kilometer diameter of the tropical storm, PAGASA said in its 11 p.m. update on Thursday. It was measured to have maximum sustained winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

As such, Catanduanes should be prepared for the possible upgrading of the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal there to number 2, PAGASA said. The rest of the Bicol region should also be ready for the raising of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal number 1 by tomorrow morning.

As of Tuesday night, Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal number 1 is raised over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Albay.

As of 10 p.m., Karen was 30 km east of Virac, Catanduanes. It is expected to move west-northwest at 13 kph.

The tropical storm is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Tuesday next week.