MANILA - More areas were placed under tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 as Typhoon Ompong moved closer to the Philippines, state weather bureau PAGASA said early Thursday.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Ompong (international name Mangkhut) has slightly accelerated while maintaining its strength.

Ompong currently has maximum sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour (kph), with gusts of up to 255 kph in PAGASA's 10-minute average readings.

• Millions at risk as Philippines braces for Typhoon Ompong

Last spotted at 855 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, it is moving west at a speed of 30 kph.

Tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 is raised over the following areas:

• Cagayan
• Isabela
• Kalinga
• Mt. Province
• Ifugao
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Quirino
• Burias
• Ticao Island
• Aurora
• Quezon, including Polillo Island
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Albay
• Sorsogon
• Catanduanes

PAGASA said these areas will experience occasional rains with gusty winds.

Ompong is expected to make landfall in the northern tip of Cagayan on Saturday, September 15.

The state weather bureau earlier said Ompong will be the strongest typhoon to hit Philippines this year, reaching a peak intensity of 220 kph winds and 270 kph gusts.

• #WalangPasok: Setyembre 13, 14, 15

Several local governments units have declared suspension of classes due to the effects of Ompong.

Visit the ABS-CBN Weather Center for the latest weather updates.