MANILA, Philippines - Public storm warning signal number two was raised over Batanes as tropical storm "Nando" (international name Kong-rey) gained more strength early Tuesday, the state weather bureau said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that as of 7 a.m., the center of the storm was estimated at 190 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.
It has gained strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It was still moving north northwest at the same speed of 15 kph.
Public storm warning signal number one remains hoisted over Cagayan, Calayan, Babuyan Group of Islands, Apayao and Isabela.
The storm was expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday, a day later than earlier predicted by PAGASA.
It is not expected to make landfall in any part of Luzon and continue to move upwards until it enters Taiwan's area of responsibility.
The cyclone was forecast to bring heavy to intense rains in the affected areas.
It will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon and also bring light to moderate rains in all provinces in Luzon.
"Sea travel is risky over the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon," PAGASA added in its advisory.