PAGASA lifts warning signal as 'Gener' exits PAR

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 1:50 p.m.)  – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday morning lifted the warning signal raised over Batanes after it reported that typhoon Gener (International name: Malakas) continued to move away from the Philippines.

The warning signal was lifted after PAGASA reported that Gener is no longer directly affecting the part of the country.

As of 11 a.m. on Saturday, PAGASA said the center of Gener was located 460 kilometers north of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of up to 175 kilometer per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph.

Moving north at 16 kph, Gener is expected to turn towards Japan or the Chinese mainland.

"We expect 'Gener' to exit PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility) this Saturday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.," state weather bureau forecaster Buddy Javier said.

"Either way, we expect northern Luzon's weather to improve as 'Gener' moves away from the country," he added.

It forecast light to moderate rainfall and less intense winds over northern Luzon.

However, waters off the area will not be still yet "so it's best for people there to avoid venturing to sea as much as possible," Javier said. - with reports from Catherine J. Teves