Typhoon Kiko maintained its strength as it threatens extreme northern
Luzon, the weather bureau said Friday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Kiko”, packing
maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center and
gustiness of up to 230 kph was last located 235 km. east northeast of
Casiguran, Aurora.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 has been hoisted over
extreme northeastern portion of Cagayan (Santa Ana) and the eastern
portion of Babuyan Islands.

These areas may experience destructive typhoon-force winds.

TCWS no. 2 has been hoisted over the following areas where damaging
gale-force to storm-force winds will prevail: Batanes, the rest of
Babuyan Islands, the remaining eastern portion of mainland Cagayan and
the northeastern portion of Isabela.

Strong winds will be experienced in areas under TCWS no. 1 — the rest
of mainland Cagayan, the eastern portion of Ilocos Norte, Apayao, the
northern portion of Kalinga, the eastern portion of Mountain Province,
the northeastern portion of Abra, the northwestern and southeastern
portions of Isabela, and the northern portion of Aurora.

“Kiko” and Severe Tropical Storm Conson (outside the Philippine Area
of Responsibility) are enhancing the southwest monsoon.

As such, monsoon rains will be experienced over the western sections
of central Luzon and southern Luzon, and the Visayas in the next 24
hours, PAGASA said.

Heavy to intense, with at times torrential rains caused by “Kiko” are
forecast over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Batanes, and northern
Isabela.

Moderate to heavy, with at times intense rains may also prevail over
Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, northern and central
Aurora, and the rest of Cagayan Valley.

Scattered to widespread flooding and rain-induced landslides are
possible, especially in areas susceptible to these hazards.

Meanwhile, rough to very high seas will be experienced over the
seaboards of areas where TCWS is in effect sea travel is risky for all
types of sea vessels.

Moderate to rough seas will prevail over the eastern seaboards of
central and southern Luzon. Sea travel is risky for those using small
seacraft, PAGASA said.