Typhoon Julian weakens, Batanes under Signal No. 1

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is hoisted over Batanes as Typhoon Julian weakens and moves northeastward outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility towards Taiwan.

As of 5 a.m., Julian's maximum sustained winds have decreased to 140 kph near the center, with gustiness of up to 170 kph, and it was located 265 km northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.

Strong winds will continue to prevail across Batanes, and a gale warning is in effect over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon, making sea travel risky.

Julian is expected to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, the Ilocos and Cordillera regions, the rest of Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.

Moderate to heavy rains in these areas could result in flash floods or landslides.

The rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.

The typhoon's passage has resulted in two deaths and affected nearly 59,000 families.