PAGASA: Signal Number 1 up in Batanes as Betty moves over the sea east of Taiwan

Batanes remains under Storm Signal Number 1 as Typhoon Betty continues to move northward over the sea east of Taiwan, PAGASA said Wednesday evening.

In its 11 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said strong winds will prevail over Batanes, which may cause minimal to minor impacts in the area.

All remaining storm signals may be lifted by Thursday should there be no significant changes in the track or extent of the tropical cyclone.

As of 10 p.m., the center of the eye was estimated at 450 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center, gustiness of up to 150 km/h and moving northward at 10 km/h.

Heavy accumulated rains of 50 to 100 milliliters are likewise expected in La Union, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and the southern portion of Abra.

In the next 24 hours, the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat will bring occasional to frequent wind gusts over northern Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Northern Samar and the northern portion of Samar.

Meanwhile, a marine gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboards of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas.

Based on its forecast track, Betty is seen to steadily weaken while gradually accelerating throughout the forecast period.

It is forecast to move northward or north-northeastward between Wednesday evening and Thursday, before turning east-northeastward as it makes a close approach or landfall over the central Ryukyu Islands in Japan.

PAGASA said the typhoon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility or PAR by Thursday evening or Friday early morning. -- BAP, GMA Integrated News