Signal No. 1 has been raised in provinces located in northern Luzon as Typhoon Koinu continues to strengthen.

The tropical storm KOINU, also known as Jenny, grew stronger in the Philippine Sea, causing the national weather agency to issue wind signals for additional areas in northern Luzon.

According to the latest 5 p.m. update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the typhoon is currently located 485 km east of Basco, Batanes.

The storm was traveling towards the northwest at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour (kph). It had maximum sustained winds of 155 kph near its center, with gusts reaching up to 190 kph.

PAGASA reported that the typhoon’s strong winds extend up to 560 km from its center. The typhoon is predicted to strengthen and may reach its maximum intensity on Oct. 3.

The forecast predicts that there may be a decrease in strength starting on Wednesday because of a possibility of dry air mixing in and stronger winds before reaching Taiwan.

The typhoon signal number 1 was raised by the weather bureau in Batanes, Cagayan as well as Babuyan Islands, the north and east sections of Isabela, Apayao, the north part of Ilocos Norte, the northeast part of Abra, and the north Kalinga area.

PAGASA reported that wind speeds of 39-61 kph are likely to occur in the next 36 hours, or there may be periods of scattered rain within the same time frame. The affected areas may experience minimal to minor effects from the strong winds under wind signal No. 1.

According to the National Weather Bureau, the typhoon will strengthen the Southwest Monsoon and result in intermittent rainfall in the western areas of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao for the next three days.

PAGASA has released a gale warning for the coastal areas of Northern and Eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon. The organization also stated that the typhoon will result in moderate to rough sea conditions along the coastal waters of Isabela province.

The organization advised individuals operating motor bancas and vessels of similar size to be cautious when traveling on the ocean.