Typhoon Karen (Sanba) will not directly affect any part of the Philippines as it continues moving toward Southern Japan, state weather forecasters said Saturday.

But PAGASA said Karen will still bring heavy rain to several parts of the country as it enhances the southwest monsoon.

"Karen will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring occasional moderate to heavy rains over Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Bicol, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA. Residents in these areas are advised to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides," it said.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Karen was estimated at 660 km east of Itbayat, Batanes as of 10 a.m., with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 220 kph.

Karen was moving north-northwest at 15 kph and is expected to be 70 km south of Okinawa, Japan.

While no public storm warning signals were raised, PAGASA said Karen may bring estimated rainfall of 15 to 30 mm per hour (heavy to intense) within its 550-km diameter.

"Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, seaboards of Southern Luzon, and over the eastern seaboard of Visayas due to big waves generated by Typhoon Karen," PAGASA said. — LBG, GMA News