MANILA, Nov. 13 -- Tropical Depression Uwan maintained its strength while moving northeastward over the sea east of Taiwan, the weather bureau said Thursday.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the center of Uwan at 305 km. north of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 70 kph, moving northeastward at 25 kph.

Strong winds extend up to 240 km. from the center.

Uwan's outer rainbands may occasionally bring gusty conditions, reaching strong to gale-force strength, over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, particularly in coastal and upland areas.

Rough seas are expected over the seaboards of Ba...