The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Northern Samar has barred small sea vessels below 250 tonnage from sailing in Northern Samar due to high waves brought about by weather disturbances.

In an advisory Monday, the PCG station in the province also alerted larger vessels against big waves.

“With probable three to six meters wave height associated with Typhoon Betty and enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, small vessels are asked not to venture into the seas of the province,” it said.

This precautionary measure is essential to ensure the safety of maritime activities during challenging sea conditions, according to the Coast Guard.

Although the eye of the storm is far from the Visayas, the state weather bureau said Monday the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao will be affected by strong to gale-force winds. Sea conditions in these areas are predicted to be rough to very rough.

As of noon, Typhoon Betty slightly weakens while moving northwest over the waters east of Cagayan.

The center of the eye of the typhoon was estimated based on all available data at 470 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan with a maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center. (PNA)