MANILA: Some areas in Northern Luzon remain under tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 4 as Typhoon Nika (international name Toraji) continues to move across the Luzon landmass, the weather bureau announced shortly before 6 p.m. on Monday. Nika was observed in the vicinity of Besao, Mountain Province, around 4 p.m. and is expected to move over the sea west of Ilocos Sur by Monday night. The typhoon is carrying maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 200 kph. According to Philippines News Agency, typhoon-force winds are anticipated in areas under TCWS No. 4, including Kalinga, Mountain Province, and the northern portion of Ifugao. Several localities in the central and southern portions of Abra, as well as various areas in Ilocos Sur, are also under this signal. Meanwhile, areas under TCWS No. 3, such as the northern part of Quirino and portions of Nueva Vizcaya, will experience storm-force winds. Gale-force winds are expected in regions under TCWS No. 2, including parts of Cagayan and Isabela. Strong winds will prevail in locations where TCWS No. 1 is hoisted, including Babuyan Islands and other areas in Northern Luzon. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicated that the northeasterly wind flow is likely to cause strong to gale-force gusts across several regions, including Batanes and parts of Luzon. Intense to torrential rains are predicted in areas such as Aurora, Cagayan, and Mountain Province. Heavy rains are expected in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, while moderate to heavy rains may occur in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac. PAGASA warns of a moderate to high risk of storm surge within the next 48 hours in low-lying coastal regions, including Ilocos Norte and Cagayan. A gale warning is also in effect for the eastern seaboard of Luzon and northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon, making sea travel risky for all vessels. The typhoon is projected to weaken into a severe tropical storm while moving across mainlan d Luzon due to land interaction and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday.