MANILA – Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi) weakened from a super typhoon but continued moving west northwestward over the Philippine Sea on Thursday, with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 remaining in effect over parts of Northern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

In its 5 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Inday’s eye was estimated at 925 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.

The typhoon packs maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center, gusts of up to 215 kph, and is moving west northwestward at 20 kph. Strong to typhoon-force winds extend up to 870 kilometers from its center.

TCWS No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, and portions of Quirino, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, and Catanduanes, where winds of 39 to 61 kph may pose a minimal to minor threat to life and property.

PAGASA said the highest wind signal expected during Inday’s passage is Signal No. 2.

The weather bureau also warned that the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and the typhoon’s outer circulation will continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts over most parts of the country from Thursday until Saturday.

A gale warning remains in effect over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of the Visayas.

Very rough seas of up to 6 meters are expected over the seaboards of Batanes, the northern and eastern seaboards of the Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan. Waves of up to 5 meters are also forecast over the remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan and the Babuyan Islands, as well as the seaboard of Isabela.

PAGASA advised all mariners to remain in port or seek safe harbor, warning that sea travel is risky for all types of vessels in affected areas.

According to the forecast, Inday will continue moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea and may pass closest to Extreme Northern Luzon between Friday evening and Saturday morning. It will then move toward the southern islands of Japan and may make landfall or pass close to the northern coast of Taiwan before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday. The typhoon is expected to make landfall over eastern mainland China on Sunday.

PAGASA said Inday is forecast to gradually weaken but is expected to remain a typhoon while inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility before weakening further after moving inland over China.

The agency reminded the public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices to continue monitoring official advisories and take necessary precautions against heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions.