The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Sunday said typhoon "Inday" has intensified as it decelerates over the sea East of Taiwan.

According to its 11 a.m. forecast, the typhoon is less likely to directly bring heavy rains to the country, but its outermost rainbands and the southwest monsoon, which it slightly strengthens, may bring rain showers and thunderstorms to Batanes and western Central and Southern Luzon.

"Inday" was last seen located 335 kilometers Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kilometers per hour.

The typhoon moves northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour.

The state weather bureau said raising Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals remains less likely at this time and a further westward shift in the track forecast and/or expansion of tropical cyclone winds may result in the hoisting of wind signals over portions of Extreme Northern Luzon.

Because of the channeling of the typhoon circulation in the Luzon Strait, strong to gale-force winds may be experienced over Extreme Northern Luzon on Monday.

PAGASA also issued a gale warning in the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon, where it may also bring moderate to rough seas over the eastern seaboard of Northern Luzon (1.2 to 3.0 m) in the next 24 hours, saying the conditions may be risky for those using small seacrafts.

"Mariners are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating these conditions," it said.

The typhoon will slowly move northward towards the Yaeyama Islands and the East China Sea for the rest of Monday and Tuesday and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday morning or afternoon.

"Inday" will also continue to intensify today and tomorrow as it tracks northwestward over the sea east of Taiwan. However, the slightly cooler waters east of Taiwan, combined with the forecast slowing period over this sea area, may kickstart a weakening trend beginning late tomorrow or Tuesday.