STATE weather bureau PAGASA did not rule out the possibility of hoisting storm signal no. 5 in the extreme Northern Luzon as Typhoon Julian is nearing a “super typhoon” level.

Presently, Julian is packing 175 kph winds and gusts of up to 215 kph.

It was last located over the coastal waters of Balintang Island in Calayan, Cagayan. It is moving west northwestward at 10 kph.

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 4 is in effect over Batanes, as well as the northern portion of Babuyan Islands.

PAGASA said it is carrying a “significant to severe threat to life and property.”

“The peak of devastating typhoon-force winds will be felt over areas under Wind Signal No. 4 between this morning and afternoon. Furthermore, the possibility of hoisting Wind Signal No. 5 is not ruled out,” PAGASA warned. 

Under Signal No. 5, the wind had reached 185 kph or higher, leading to “severe to catastrophic damage…to houses of poor or average construction, makeshift or old, dilapidated structures, and other structures made of light materials. Well-constructed houses may suffer substantial roof and wall failure or damage.”

Signal no. 3, has been declared over the rest of Babuyan Islands and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan, Santa Ana.

Signal No. 2 on the other hand was raised at The rest of mainland Cagayan; Apayao; northern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lacub, Malibcong, Licuan-Baay, San Juan, Lagayan, Lagangilang, Dolores, Daguioman, Danglas, La Paz); northern portion Kalinga (Pinukpuk, Balbalan, City of Tabuk, Rizal), Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Sinait, Cabugao).

On the other hand, Signal No. 1 is in effect over the following areas: The rest of Ilocos Sur; La Union; Pangasinan; the rest of Abra; the rest of Kalinga; Ifugao; Mountain Province; Benguet; Isabela; Nueva Vizcaya; Quirino; Aurora; the northern and eastern portions of Nueva Ecija (Cuyapo, Rizal, Laur, Pantabangan, Science City of Muñoz, Gabaldon, Carranglan, San Jose City, Lupao, Talugtug, Bongabon, Llanera, Talavera, Palayan City, General Mamerto Natividad), and Polillo Islands.