‘Gardo’ heading to Taiwan area — Pagasa

Typhoon “Gardo” (international name Maria) is heading towards the area north of Taiwan, the weather bureau said midday Tuesday.

Monsoon rain will continue to affect Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro, Northern Palawan and Romblon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Occasional rain is expected over Metro Manila, the Western Visayas, and the rest of Central Luzon and southern Luzon until Wednesday, it added.

Pagasa last spotted Gardo at 635 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes, blowing winds of 170 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 210 kph.

It was still moving west-northwest at 40 kph.

Pagasa warned of risky sea travel over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon.

Gardo is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. /cbb