The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said typhoon “Gorio” (international name “Podul”) further intensified on Tuesday morning, Aug. 13, as it approached southern Taiwan.

As of 5 a.m., the center of the typhoon was located 165 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving west-northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour (kph).

It has maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gusts of up to 170 kph.

Gorio is expected to maintain its typhoon strength until landfall over southern Taiwan, after which it may weaken while continuing west-northwestward.

It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by afternoon or evening.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains hoisted over Itbayat, Batanes, where gale-force winds may cause minor to moderate impacts.

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is still in effect over the rest of Batanes province, where strong winds may bring minimal to minor damage.

PAGASA warned that a southward shift in Gorio’s track may result in an expansion of wind signal coverage.

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

Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms may also affect Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and Cagayan.

In addition, the southwest monsoon or “habagat” will likely bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides, particularly during moderate to heavy rainfall or severe thunderstorms.

Although 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, as 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.