MANILA - Storm signal number 1 has been lifted over Batanes as tropical depression Ester continues to move northeast, state weather bureau PAGASA said Friday.

In its 5 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Ester is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) with up to 90 kph gusts.

The tropical depression was last spotted 325 kilometers north-northwest of Basco, Batanes.

It is forecast to move 13 kph northeast and exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday evening or Saturday morning.

Ester will enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring monsoon rains over Batanes, Babuyan Group of Islands, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan.

Light to moderate and at times heavy rains are expected in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, rest of Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.

PAGASA warned residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas against possible landslides and flooding.