Tropical Depression Julian slightly intensifies

Moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall is expected in some parts of northern Luzon as Tropical Depression Julian slightly intensified, weather bureau PAGASA said in its 5 p.m. update on Wednesday.

At 4 p.m., Julian was located 305 kilometers east southeast of Basco, Batanes, moving west at 25 kilometers per hour.

The tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kilometers per hour.

Julian may pass close over Batanes-Babuyan area on Thursday morning, PAGASA said.

Public Storm Warning Signal No.1 is still raised over Batanes, Northern Cagayan including Babuyan Group of Islands, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.

PAGASA advised small seacrafts to not venture out in the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon. —Erwin Colcol/KBK, GMA News