The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday said Tropical Storm "Vinta" intensified further as it threatens Caraga area.

As of 5pm, "Vinta" was spotted at 200km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, a weather forecast said.

It has maximum winds up to 80kph and gusts of 110kph. Vinta is forecast to move west at 21 kph.

Tropical cyclone warning signal number two is hoisted over Surigao del Norte including Siargao Islands, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Northern Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

Signal number one is up over Southern Leyte, southern portion of Leyte, Southern Cebu, Siquijor, Bohol, Southern Negros Occidental, Southern Negros Oriental, Dinagat Island, Misamis Occidental, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, rest of Davao Oriental, Northern Davao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte.

"Vinta" is expected to make landfall over Surigao del Sur- Davao Oriental late Thursday evening or Friday morning.

The weather bureau said Visayas and Mindanao may experience scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains once Vinta reaches land. Vinta is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Sunday.

Meanwhile, PAGASA added Friday is winter solstice where night time will be at its longest for 2017. Ella Dionisio/DMS