Storm signal in Batanes downgraded

MTSAT ENHANCED-IR Satellite Image as of 2:32 p.m, 28 September 2012. Image from pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines—Public storm warning signal number 3 was downgraded over the Batanes Group of Islands late Friday morning as typhoon “Lawin” (international name Jelawat) continued to move in a north-northeast direction, the state weather bureau said.

Signal number 2 was now hoisted over Batanes, while Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands were placed under signal number 1, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Maintaining its strength, Lawin was last seen 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving at 13 kilometers per hour. It packed maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 220 kph.

Lawin will bring heavy to intense rains and will enhance the southwest monsoon.

Elsewhere, public storm signals were lowered.

Lawin was forecast to be 540 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes by Saturday morning, and 835 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes by Sunday morning.