Manila: Typhoon Nando further intensified while moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea, according to the 5 p.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday. The center of the eye of the typhoon was estimated, based on all available data, at 770 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela. It has maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was hoisted in several areas, including Batanes, Cagayan with Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and Quirino. Additional areas under the signal include the northeastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur. Northern and central portions of Aurora and Catanduanes are also affected.
A gale warning is in effect over the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon. PAGASA stated that Nando is forecast to move generally northwestward in the next 12 hours before turning west northwestward towards extreme northern Luzon. It may pass close or may make landfall over Batanes or Babuyan Islands between Monday afternoon or evening.
PAGASA also noted that Nando may reach super typhoon category before its close approach to the area and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday morning.