The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) state weather bureau on Tuesday, September 13, 8:00 pm announced Signal 4 (171-220 kph) over Batanes Group of Islands as Typhoon ‘Ferdie’ with an international name Meranti was slightly intensified while moving closer to Babuyan Group of Islands.

A storm surge of 2 to 3 meters at coastal areas and very heavy to high-risk structures, the warning signal no. 4 typhoons in Batanes is expected to be within the next 12 hours.  As of 7pm, the eye of Bagyong Ferdie was located at 110 km East of Basco, Batanes (20.3°N, 123.0°E).

It has a maximum sustained winds of 220 kph near the center and gustiness of 255 kph and forecast to move West Northwest at 24 kph.  It has an estimated rainfall amount from moderate to heavy rains within its 600 km diameter of the typhoon.  It is expected to be in the area of Batanes this midnight or early morning tomorrow.

The residents of Northern Luzon are already advised to take precautionary measures against the very strong winds and heavy rainfall that would strike them.