Manila, Aug. 13 -- Heavy rains and gusty winds are forecast across Batanes as Typhoon Gorio slightly intensified, the weather bureau said Wednesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 4 a.m. bulletin that Gorio, packing maximum sustained winds of 140 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph, was located 165 km. northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, as of 4 a.m.

Gale-force winds will prevail across Itbayat, where Signal No. 2 has been hoisted.

Strong winds will be experienced in the rest of Batanes, placed under Signal No. 1.

The enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat" will also bring strong to gale-force gusts across the Babuyan Islands, the northern portion...