MANILA -- Typhoon Rosita (international name Yutu) maintained its strength as it continues to move towards northern Luzon.
In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Rosita" was last spotted 980 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.
"Rosita", packing maximum sustained winds of up to 200 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 245 kph.
Moving west at 20 kph, "Rosita" is expected to make landfall over the Cagayan-Isabela area on Tuesday and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday.
PAGASA weather specialist Meno Mendoza said the weather bureau is likely to raise tropical cyclone warning signals starting Sunday evening while rains brought by the typhoon may be felt beginning Monday afternoon.
"Patuloy nating pinapaalalahanan ang ating mga kababayan dito nga sa northern at Central Luzon na mag-ingat at maging alerto sa posibleng pagkakaroon ng flashfloods at landslides sa mga darating na araw, (We advise residents in northern and central Luzon to take precautions and be alert against possible flashfloods and landslides in the coming days)," Mendoza said.
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon affecting northern and central Luzon will continue to bring rains over these areas likely until Sunday.
PAGASA said cloudy skies with light rains will prevail over Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley, while partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains will be experienced over Ilocos Region and central Luzon.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms. (PNA)
