(BSS/AFP) - A powerful storm heading towards the Philippines intensified into a super typhoon on Saturday, the state weather forecaster said, warning of "significant to severe impacts" from the winds and "life-threatening" storm surges.

Up to 14-metre (46-feet) high seas were expected around Catanduanes island where Super Typhoon Man-yi was expected to make landfall later Saturday or early Sunday, the forecaster said.