Signal No. 2 up over Batanes as Typhoon Inday moves over Philippine Sea

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over Batanes on Thursday even as Typhoon Inday slightly weakened as it moves northwestward over the Philippine Sea, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

In its 11 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible in Batanes or any areas under Signal No. 2.

Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 remained raised over the following areas:

• Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
• Isabela
• the northeastern portion of Quirino (Maddela)
• Apayao
• the northern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lagayan, Danglas, San Juan, Lagangilang, Licuan-Baay, Malibcong, Lacub, Daguioman, Dolores, La Paz)
• Kalinga
• the eastern portion of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis)
• the eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista)
• Ilocos Norte
• the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran)
• the northern and central portions of Catanduanes (Pandan, Caramoran, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto, Baras, San Miguel)

According to the state weather bureau, minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Signal No. 1.

PAGASA said the eye of Typhoon Inday was estimated at 865 km east of Northern Luzon, packing with maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 205 km/h.

It is moving northwestward at 15 km/h.

PAGASA said Typhoon Inday is forecast to generally move northwestward while remaining over the Philippine Sea and may pass closest to extreme Northern Luzon between the evening of July 10, Friday, and the morning of July 11, Saturday.

Inday may exit PAR by Saturday morning or afternoon.

“INDAY is forecast to remain as a typhoon until it exits the PAR. It will then weaken into a severe tropical storm after moving further inland over mainland China,” PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, a gale warning was raised over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Visayas.

“Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. All mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor as soon as possible until winds and waves subside,” it said.

The next tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued at 5 p.m.—AOL, GMA News