Typhoon Ferdie moves closer to Batanes ahead of possible landfall

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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Typhoon Ferdie (Meranti) is now crossing the Bashi Channel and moving closer to Batanes, said state weather bureau PAGASA in its bulletin issued 5 pm on Tuesday, September 13.

Ferdie is now 165 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, moving west northwest at a slightly faster 24 kilometers per hour (km/h).

It maintained its strength, with maximum winds of up to 215 km/h and gustiness of up to 250 km/h.

Signal number 4 remains raised over Batanes, where Ferdie could make landfall very early Wednesday, September 14.

Signal number 3 is still up over the Babuyan Group of Islands. 

Signal number 2, meanwhile, is raised over the following:

• Ilocos Norte
• Apayao
• northern Cagayan

Signal number 1 is also up in these areas:

• rest of Cagayan
• northern Isabela
• Kalinga
• Abra
• northern Ilocos Sur

PAGASA warned residents of areas under warning signals to watch out for the effects of the rain and very strong winds. Moderate to heavy rain is expected within the 600-km diameter of the typhoon.

Ferdie is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday morning or afternoon.

But as Ferdie exits, a tropical storm is also expected to enter PAR on Wednesday. This tropical storm has the international name Malakas and will be called Gener when it enters PAR.

It is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon.

– Rappler.com