MANILA— Typhoon Rosal maintained its strength while moving northwestward over the sea east-northeast of Batanes early Friday, with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 in effect over Batanes and parts of the Babuyan Islands, the state weather bureau said.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated Rosal’s center at 275 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, at 4 a.m.

The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center, gusts of up to 190 kph and a central pressure of 945 hectopascals. It was moving northwestward at 15 kph.

Strong to typhoon-force winds extended up to 900 kilometers from the storm’s center, PAGASA said.

Signal No. 2, which warns of gale-force winds of 62 to 88 kph and a minor to moderate threat to life and property, was raised over Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, including Babuyan, Panuitan, Calayan and Camiguin islands.

Signal No. 1, warning of strong winds of 39 to 61 kph and a minimal to minor threat to life and property, was in effect over the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, northeastern Isabela, Ilocos Norte and Apayao.

The affected northeastern Isabela municipalities are Maconacon, Divilacan, Santa Maria, Cabagan, San Pablo and Palanan.

Strong winds, dangerous seas

PAGASA warned that the northeast wind flow and Rosal’s outer circulation would bring strong to gale-force gusts to much of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental on Friday.

On Saturday, similar gusts are expected over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, the Polillo Islands, the Bicol Region, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental. Batanes and the Babuyan Islands may experience these conditions on Sunday.

A gale warning was also in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.

Sea conditions were forecast to become very rough to very high, with waves reaching up to 12 meters along the northern and eastern seaboards of Batanes and up to nine meters along its remaining coasts.

Waves could reach up to eight meters along the northern and eastern seaboards of the Babuyan Islands and the northeastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan.

PAGASA warned that sea travel would be dangerous for all types and tonnage of vessels in these conditions. Mariners were advised to remain in port or seek shelter in a safe harbor if already at sea.

Small seacraft operators, including those using motorized bancas, were also advised against venturing out into rough seas.

Rosal to weaken, exit PAR

PAGASA said Rosal would continue moving generally northwestward until Saturday before turning northward and then north-northeastward between Saturday and Sunday.

The typhoon was forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Saturday morning.

Rosal is expected to weaken gradually within 24 hours, followed by more rapid weakening. It may be downgraded to a severe tropical storm by Saturday morning and further weaken into a tropical storm by evening.

However, PAGASA cautioned that heavy rainfall and strong winds could still affect areas outside the forecast track and confidence cone.

Residents in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides and strong winds were urged to take necessary precautions and follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local officials.

PAGASA’s next tropical cyclone bulletin was scheduled for release at 11 a.m. Friday.