Signal No. 2 up in parts of Luzon due to Kiko; Jolina leaves PAR

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 9) — Parts of Luzon have been placed under Signal No. 2 as Typhoon Kiko (international name: Chanthu) maintained its strength while moving closer to Baler in Aurora, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Wednesday.

The state weather bureau placed the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan and the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands under the Signal No. 2 while Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Batanes, the rest of mainland Cagayan, the rest of Babuyan Islands, the northeastern portion of Apayao, and the eastern portion of Isabela.

Kiko was last spotted 435 kilometers east of Baler - with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 240 kph.

PAGASA said Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, Batanes, and northern Isabela will likely have heavy to intense with at times torrential rains brought by the typhoon beginning Friday afternoon. Moderate to heavy rains may happen over the rest of Isabela, the northern portion of Aurora, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao, the agency added.

Kiko will continue to move northwest in the next 24 hours.

"The typhoon is forecast to pass very close to northeastern Cagayan tomorrow afternoon or evening. Afterwards, the typhoon may cross the vicinity of Babuyan Islands and Batanes or pass within their coastal waters from tomorrow evening until Saturday afternoon," PAGASA said.

Kiko is seen to slightly weaken to 185 kph within the next 12 hours and maintain this as it moves over extreme Northern Luzon.

The weather disturbance is forecast to leave the country's monitoring area Sunday afternoon or evening.

Meanwhile, Jolina (international name: Conson) has reintensified into a Severe Tropical Storm, and has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Jolina was last located 605 km west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan - packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.