Manila: Tropical cyclone Gorio, internationally known as Podul, has intensified into a typhoon but is unlikely to directly affect the country, according to the weather bureau on Tuesday. The typhoon exhibits maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness reaching up to 150 kph.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that as of 4 a.m., the typhoon was positioned 745 km east of Itbayat, Batanes. PAGASA has issued warnings that sea travel remains risky for all types and tonnage of vessels due to very rough seas over the seaboards of Batanes. Mariners, particularly those operating small seacraft and motorized bancas, are advised against venturing out to sea.

PAGASA forecasts that Gorio will maintain its strength, with expectations of making landfall over Taiwan by Wednesday afternoon. There is also a possibility of the cyclone exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” is set to bring rains to various regions. This weather pattern will result in scattered rain showers and thunderstorms across Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. In addition, localized thunderstorms may lead to isolated rain showers over other parts of the country, as indicated by PAGASA.