THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has raised Public Storm Warning Signal Number 4 in Batanes province due to Typhoon Ferdie (Meranti) on Tuesday, September 13.
Despite the strong signal, the state-run weather bureau said the typhoon is expected to be in Batanes by Wednesday morning, September 14.
Batanes will experience 171 to 220 kilometers per hour (kph) of winds.
Pagasa said the typhoon will be located 150 kilometers west northwest of Basco, Batanes by Wednesday morning.
It placed the Babuyan Group of Islands at Signal Number 3, with 121 to 170 kph winds expected in 18 hours.
This area will have a wave height of 14.0 meters and possible storm surges of up to 2.0 in the coastal areas.
The typhoon’s eye, as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, was located at 340 kilometers east southeast of Basco, Batanes.
The typhoon is estimated to move west northwest at 23 kph.
Pagasa said the typhoon has maximum sustained winds of up to 215 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 250 kph.
Residents in northern Luzon are urged to take precautionary measures against impacts of very strong winds and heavy rainfall.
In Laog City, classes from pre-school to high school have been automatically suspended -- both in public and private on Tuesday afternoon.
Governor Imee Marcos announced the automatic suspension of classes as a precaution against the expected onslaught of the typhoon.
The provincial disaster risk reduction and management council was also reactivated and rescue teams were deployed.
Relief assistance teams were also on standby at the disaster action center.
Though Ilocos Norte is currently experiencing a gloomy weather with occasional rains in some parts of Ilocos Norte, Jun Arvin Gudoy, head of the Communication and Media Office said the governor advised the public to stay vigilant and prepare for any eventuality. (PNA/Sunnex)