Typhoon “Gorio” (international name “Podul”) slightly intensified on Tuesday evening, Aug. 12, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over Itbayat, Batanes.

PAGASA said Itbayat may experience minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds.

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 remains in effect over the rest of Batanes, as strong winds may cause minor damage.

PAGASA also noted that a southward shift in Gorio’s track or changes in its size could lead to an expansion of areas under tropical cyclone wind signals.

Heavy rainfall is also likely to affect Batanes within the next 24 hours, it warned.

As of 11 p.m., the center of the typhoon was located 300 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph).

It had maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gusts of up to 160 kph.

PAGASA said Gorio is expected to continue moving west-northwestward and make landfall over the eastern coast of southern Taiwan by Wednesday morning or afternoon, Aug. 13.

It is also seen to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility late Wednesday.

While no storm surge warning is currently in effect, PAGASA warned that coastal flooding remains possible due to high waves, especially if Gorio’s track shifts further south

A gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of extreme Northern Luzon.

Seas off Batanes may reach heights of up to nine meters, posing extreme danger to maritime activities.

Rough to moderate sea conditions are also expected across the surrounding coastal waters of Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, Isabela, and parts of Aurora.

PAGASA advised all mariners, especially those operating small vessels, to stay in port or seek safe shelter until sea conditions improve.