PAGASA: Typhoon “Helen” Maintains Track Towards Batanes

MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) –- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised signal number 2 in Batanes province as typhoon “Helen” maintains its track towards that area.

The typhoon, which continues to move west northwest at 22 kilometers per hour (kph), is expected to be closest to Batanes by Tuesday morning, the state weather bureau said Monday.

According to PAGASA’s 5 a.m. weather bulletin, “Helen” was located 610 kilometers (kms) east of Basco, Batanes.

It will have maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

Batanes is still reeling from the devastation brought by typhoons “Ferdie” and “Gener” which struck northern Luzon in the past weeks.

PAGASA noted areas within the 800 km diameter of the typhoon will have moderate to heavy rains.

Signal no. 1, on the other hand, was hoisted over the Babuyan Group of Islands.

The state-run weather bureau also warned sea travel is risky over the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon. (PNA) JMC/JLD