State meteorologists on Wednesday morning warned that a storm surge may occur within the next 48 hours in low-lying coastal communities in Northern Luzon and parts of Bicol due to tropical storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raised Signal No. 3 in several provinces in Luzon as Kristine developed into a severe tropical storm. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is raised in 26 areas in Luzon as Tropical Storm Kristine maintained its strength while approaching the Isabela and northern Aurora area on Wednesday, PAGASA said.

Residents in several Luzon areas are advised to stay away from the shores as a storm surge may be possible within the next 48 hours, said the state weather bureau on.

Tropical Storm Kristine was forecast to strengthen before it makes landfall over Northern Luzon tonight or early tomorrow morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The state-run weather agency placed more areas all over the country under storm signals as Tropical Storm "Kristine" intensifies over east of Quezon. Under Signal No. 2 are Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union,

Eight areas in Eastern Luzon face a minimal to moderate chance of a storm surge in the next 48 hours, state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday afternoon. A storm surge is an abnormal rise of the ocean generated by a weather disturbance such as a tropical cyclone,