Storm signal in Batanes lowered as 'Ester' moves away from RP

All storm signals in the country have been lowered as Tropical Storm Ester (Dianmu) moved further away from Philippine territory before noon Monday. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said this was despite "Ester" intensifying further. But PAGASA warned fishermen in Luzon to watch out for big waves, as the coastal waters there will be rough and dangerous for small seacraft. PAGASA also warned residents in low-lying and mountainous areas over the western sections of northern and Central Luzon against possible flash floods and landslides. In its final advisory on Ester, PAGASA said the storm was estimated at 640 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes as of 10 a.m, packing maximum winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph, and was moving north at 20 kph. By Monday evening, Ester is forecast to be 810 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes or 240 km northwest of Okinawa, Japan. — RSJ, GMANews.TV