The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) yesterday said they are prepared for the possibility of heavy rains from Tropical Storm Paolo, which may affect the ongoing MassKara Festival in Bacolod City.

CDRRMO head, Executive Assistant Joemarie Vargas, said Paolo was last spotted 765 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, with winds estimated at 90 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching 115 kph.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) projects the storm may intensify into a typhoon between today and Thursday.

Aside from the tropical storm, Vargas said PAGASA also spotted a low pressure area 395 kilometers west of Coron, Palawan.

Both weather conditions may bring rains to most of the Visayas, including Negros Occidental.

Vargas added, they are presently monitoring the storm and are fully prepared for any eventualities./DGB, WDJ