Manila, Aug. 12 -- Tropical cyclone Gorio (international name Podul) has intensified into a typhoon but shows a low chance of directly affecting the country, the weather bureau said on Tuesday.

The typhoon packs maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 150 kph.

It was located 745 km. east of Itbayat, Batanes, as of 4 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its bulletin.

Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels, PAGASA warned, adding that very rough seas will prevail over the seaboards of Batanes.

Mariners of small seacraft, including all types of motorized bancas, are advised not to venture out to sea.

Gorio is forecast to...