Signal No. 1 raised over Batanes, Cagayan as ‘Ineng’ nears

An image released by the Pagasa shows a second scenario on the possible track of Typhoon Ineng, which may move north after hitting the northernmost part of Luzon and directly hitting Taiwan. The first scenario shows it continuing on a west northwest course and passing between the Batanes and Taiwan. PAGASA WEBSITE SCREENGRAB

Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1 has been raised over the northern-most provinces of the country as Typhoon ‘Ineng’ continued its course toward Luzon.

Placed under Signal No. 1 were the Batanes Group of Islands and Cagayan, including the Calayan ang Babuyan Groups of Islands, according to the bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) released at 11 p.m. , Tuesday.

Ineng maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 180 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustsiness of up to 215 kph. It was still moving west at 25 kph.

Pagasa said the areas under Signal No. 1 could start experiencing winds of 30 to 60 kph within 36 hours from the issuance of the bulletin, approximately from Wednesday night to Thursday morning.

The winds can cause very light to slight damage to makeshift or houses built with light materials in affected areas.

Moderate to heavy rain is forecast within the 600-km diameter of the typhoon

Elsewhere, an enhanced habagat or southwest monsoon is currently affecting Palawan and parts of the Visayas, Pagasa said.

The western part of Luzon, including Metro Manila, may experience occasional rain brought by the habagat starting Thursday, it added. CB