Inday's rainbands, Habagat to bring rain showers over Batanes, parts of Southern Luzon

Typhoon Inday (international name: Muifa) intensified further while over the sea east of southern Taiwan on Sunday and its outermost rainbands and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) it slightly enhances will bring rain showers over some areas of Luzon, PAGASA said in its early morning forecast.

Batanes and the western section of Southern Luzon will have rain showers and thunderstorms due to Inday's outermost rainbands and the monsoon.

At 4 a.m., the center of Inday was located at 350 km east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

Inday has maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 190 km/h, and central pressure of 955 hPa.

The typhoon is moving northwestward at 15 km/h.

Winds

From Inday's center, strong to typhoon-force winds are extending outwards up to 310 km.

Although the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) remains less likely at this time, PAGASA said such signals may be raised over portions of Extreme Northern Luzon as Inday moves further westward and its winds expand.

On Monday, Extreme Northern Luzon may experience gusty conditions reaching strong to gale-force strength "due to the channeling of the typhoon circulation in the Luzon Strait," PAGASA said.

Coastal waters

A gale warning is in effect on Sunday in the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon due to Inday.

"In the next 24 hours, INDAY may also bring moderate to rough seas over the eastern seaboard of Northern Luzon (1.2 to 3.0 m). These conditions may be risky for those using small seacrafts," PAGASA said.

"Mariners are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating these conditions," it added.

Track

The typhoon is expected to move generally northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Taiwan on Sunday up to Monday afternoon, decelerating in the process.

From there, Inday will move northward slowly toward the vicinity of Yaeyama Islands in Japan and the East China Sea.

Inday is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday morning or afternoon.

The typhoon is also forecast to continue intensifying on Sunday up to Monday morning as it traverses the sea east of Taiwan.

"However, the slightly cooler waters east of Taiwan and the forecast slow-down period over this sea area may kickstart a weakening trend beginning late tomorrow or on Tuesday," PAGASA said.

The weather bureau advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned to take the necessary measures to protect life and property. Those living in areas that are prone to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local authorities.

PAGASA said it will issue the next tropical cyclone bulletin at 11 a.m. —KG, GMA News