MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) - Public storm warning signal number 4 was raised Friday over northern Cagayan, which is in the direct path of Typhoon "Mina," state weather bureau PAGASA said.

The area is expected to be battered by heavy rains and strong winds of more than 185 kilometers per hour (kph) in at least 12 hours, according to PAGASA.

Typhoon Mina, with international name Nanmadol, was spotted 150 kilometers northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, as of 4 p.m. Friday.

It was packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph. It is forecast to move northwest at 9 kph.

Signal number 3 has also been hoisted over Isabela, the rest of Cagayan, the Calayan and Babuyan group of islands, and Batanes.

Signal number 2, meanwhile, is in place over Northern Aurora, Quirino, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Apayao.

The rest of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Abra, are under storm signal number 1.

The typhoon's forecast track shows its continued movement towards northern Luzon, the weather bureau said.

Its projected track is almost similar to Typhoon Juan in October last year that also triggered the hoisting of storm signal number 4 over Cagayan.

Mina is expected to be in Batanes by Sunday.

PAGASA said the typhoon will not hit Metro Manila, but the southwest monsoon is expected to bring heavy rains across the metropolis.

The weather bureau said most parts of northern and central Luzon will experience continuous rains.

Meanwhile, a monsoon surge is bringing rains and strong winds over the National Capital Region, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Batangas, and Cavite.

The typhoon is expected to bring rainfall amounting to between 15-25 mm per hour within its 600-km diameter.

"Residents in lowlying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signals, Southern Luzon, and Visayas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone," PAGASA said in an advisory.

Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul told TV Patrol that PAGASA has issued an advisory regarding the Cagayan River, which may overflow its banks and cause floods.

He added that ships and small boats are not allowed to travel in affected areas.

Yumul said that while the typhoon is initially expected to remain in the country until Tuesday, the effect of another weather disturbance -- Tropical Storm "Talas" -- may result in Mina staying in the Philippines until either Thursday or Friday.

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