Typhoon Julian maintains strength over Batanes, Signal 4 hoisted

Typhoon Julian maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 175 kph and gusts of up to 215 kph as it moved over the coastal waters of Sabtang Island in Batanes.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 remains hoisted over Batanes, with PAGASA warning of "the peak of devastating typhoon-force winds" until the evening.

PAGASA no longer sees the possibility of Signal No. 5 being raised as Julian has begun moving away from Batanes.

Signal No. 3 was raised over the northern and western portions of Babuyan Islands, while Signal No. 2 is hoisted over Mainland Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, and parts of Ilocos Sur.

The typhoon is forecast to move generally west-northwestward over the Bashi Channel and begin recurving on Tuesday.

Julian may bring intense to torrential rainfall to Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte.

Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco reported that Julian has been heavily felt in the province since Sunday night, prompting many residents to evacuate.

The typhoon also prompted several local government units to suspend classes and some courts to announce work suspension.