Northern Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, and Batanes group of islands were put under Public Warning Storm Signal No. 1 after Typhoon “Kiko” continued to intensify while moving to the general direction of Taiwan, a weather bureau said Friday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the typhoon has gained strength, packing up 175 kph winds near its center and a gustiness of 210 kph as of 10 a.m Friday.

In its tropical cyclone update, PAGASA said that Typhoon “Kiko” was last spotted in the Philippine Sea at about 350 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes, which continues to enhance the surge of Southwest monsoon over Western Luzon and Visayas.

As a result, PAGASA director Nathaniel Cruz said that Hanging Habagat will bring more rains over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Pangasinan, Dagupan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, and Batangas.

Cruz added Typhoon “Kiko” will also indirectly affect the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, advising residents in low lying areas and near mountain slopes to take measures against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Noting the west northwest movement of the typhoon at 15 kph, he said that Typhoon “Kiko” was expected to be at 370 kilometers north of Basco, Batanes or in the vicinity of Eastern Taiwan if it does not recurve this morning.

The PAGASA official added that the typhoon has been expected to be out of the country over Southeastern China at about 540 kilometers north northwest of Basco, Batanes by Saturday morning.

Cruz noted a slight improvement of weather starting on Sunday, but warned that rains will continue to pour over the affected areas with the monitoring of an approaching Low Pressure Area (LPA).

Assuring that LPA is still out of the Philippine area of responsibility, Cruz said that the weather system was spotted at about 1,590 kilometers east of Northern Luzon as of 11 a.m. Friday.

Cruz said that the LPA will enter the country as soon as Typhoon “Kiko” finally leaves on Saturday and has been expected to intensify Hanging Habagat that will bring occasional rains over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.