The northern Babuyan Islands are now under Wind Signal No. 5, the highest storm warning level, as super typhoon “Nando” is forecast to make a close approach or landfall in the area on Monday, according to the state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Wind Signal No. 4 is now in effect for southern Batanes, the rest of the Babuyan Islands, and northeastern mainland Cagayan.
Dozens of other areas across Luzon remain under Storm Signals 3, 2, and 1 as the typhoon continues to threaten the region.
As of 4 a.m., PAGASA said Super Typhoon Nando was located 245 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan.
The typhoon packs maximum sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 250 kph, while moving west-northwest at 20 kph.
“On the forecast track, the center of Nando may pass close or may make landfall over Babuyan Islands between noon and early afternoon today,” PAGASA said.
Nando is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday morning.
