MANILA - Tropical storm "Helen" (international codename: Megi) entered the Philippines on Saturday, moving towards typhoon-battered Batanes province, the state weather bureau said.

While "Helen" is not expected to hit land, it will bring gusty winds and moderate to heavy rains to the northernmost islands, which were battered by the last two storms Ferdie and Gener, said forecaster Loriedin dela Cruz.

LOOK: Typhoon Ferdie's trail of destruction in Batanes

The lowest public storm signal may be raised over Batanes by Sunday afternoon as "Helen" moves closer to the province, on its way to Taiwan, Dela Cruz told ABS-CBN News.

"Helen" could stir monsoon rains over Metro Manila and Northern and Central Luzon on Monday, but these will not likely be as intense as the deluge in August, when the southwest monsoon season peaked, she said.

At 4 p.m. Saturday the eye of "Helen" was located at 1,390 kilometers east, northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, weather forecaster Aldczar Aureliotold ANC.

The storm packed maximum sustained winds of 110 kph with gusts of up to 140 kph. It is moving west, northwest direction at 25 kph.

"Helen" is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by either Tuesday or Wednesday.