MANILA -- Tropical Depression "Josie" maintained its strength as it moves over to the Bashi Channel.
In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Josie was last spotted 170 kms northeast of Basco, Batanes.
Josie, packing maximum sustained winds of up to 60 kph and gustiness of up to 75 kph, is moving north northeast at 25 kph.
Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) no. 1 is hoisted over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands.
PAGASA said areas under TCWS no. 1 will experience occasional rains with gusty winds.
The southwest monsoon, meanwhile, will bring scattered to widespread monsoon rains over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, rest of Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Mindoro provinces, and northern Palawan including Calamian Group of Islands.
PAGASA cautioned residents of these areas, especially those living near river channels, low-lying areas and in mountainous areas against possible flooding and landslides.
Josie is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday. (PNA)
