MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Julian remained almost stationary over the Philippine Sea east of Batanes and may intensify into a tropical storm either Friday night or Saturday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

It said "Julian" may become a typhoon on Sunday.

"Julian" was spotted some 525 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 70 kph, it said.

Pagasa said in the next five days, "Julian" is forecast to follow a looping path over the waters east of Batanes and Cagayan.

Initially, it will head south-southwestward or southwestward Friday or Saturday while decelerating, then move slowly westward to northwestward on Sunday before accelerating generally northward from Monday.

Pagasa said Signal No. 1 may be raised over portions of Cagayan Valley within the day while the highest storm signal which may be hoisted during the forecast period could be either Signal No. 2 or 3.

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