MANILA—Tropical cyclone Sarah intensified into a severe tropical storm early Thursday, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

The storm is now packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.

Sarah was last seen at 425 kilometers east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan as of 4 a.m., PAGASA said.

Moving north-northwest at a speed of 25 kph, the storm is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) Saturday.

Batanes and Babuyan Islands remain under tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 and could experience wind speeds of 30 to 60 kph or intermittent rains within 36 hours.

Isabela, Cagayan (especially on the eastern section), Aurora, northern Quezon, Metro Manila, and most of Central Luzon may experience light to moderate rains with some isolated heavy rains showers due to Sarah's trough or extension.

Visit the ABS-CBN Weather Center for the latest weather updates.