Typhoon Gener (international name Malakas) has kept its strength as it traversed towards the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said midday Thursday.
The typhoon packed maximum sustained winds of up to 130 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 160 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
Gener moved west northwest at 23 kph, and was last tracked 735 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.
Moderate to heavy rains are expected from the 400-kilometer diameter of the typhoon, and it will also enhance the southwest monsoon.
Pagasa issued the following forecast positions of Gener:
24-Hour (Friday morning):
310 km East Northeast of Aparri, Cagayan
48-Hour (Saturday morning):
375 km North of Basco, Batanes
72-Hour (Sunday morning):
820 km North of Basco, Batanes (outside the Philippine area of responsibility)
96-Hour(Monday morning):
1,305 km North Northeast of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)/rga
READ: ‘Gener’ enhancing habagat; rain expected nationwide