MANILA - The weather disturbance off the Pacific coast entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, a few days before millions of Filipinos troop to cemeteries for All Souls’ Day.

As of 3 a.m., state weather bureau PAGASA spotted Typhoon Rosita at 1,495 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, the same region devastated by Typhoon Ompong in September.

It was moving west at 20 kms per hour, packing maximum winds of 185 kph with wind gusts of up to 225 kph.

"For the next three to five days inaasahan natin ‘yung center track nito posibleng tumbukin itong northern Luzon area," said Senior Weather Specialist Chris Perez.

(For the next three to five days, we expect the typhoon to hit the Northern Luzon area.)

The weather bureau is expected to issue a severe weather bulletin at 11 a.m. Saturday.

"Posibleng magtaas din ng [typhoon] warning signal starting Sunday night or early Monday morning," he said.

(A warning signal may be raised by Sunday evening or early Monday morning.)

Rains and possible strong winds could also be felt in Metro Manila, according to Perez.

Meanwhile, PAGASA also issued a gale warning over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon and the Samar provinces.

Fishermen in these areas are warned from sailing as waves as high as 4.5 meters are expected.

Perez also advised those visiting cemeteries on All Souls’ Day, particularly in Northern Luzon, to go as early as this weekend as Rosita is expected to move closer to the area by Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

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