Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) accelerated while moving over the Philippine Sea east of Northern Luzon, prompting state weather bureau PAGASA to maintain Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over several areas in Luzon on Wednesday, October 21.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Rosal’s eye was located 990 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (kph), gusts of up to 265 kph, and a central pressure of 900 hectopascals.
The super typhoon was moving west-northwestward at 30 kph, with strong to typhoon-force winds extending up to 780 kilometers from its center.
Signal No. 1 raised
PAGASA placed the following areas under TCWS No. 1:
- Batanes and Babuyan Islands
- Mainland Cagayan
- Eastern Isabela, including Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Santo Tomas, Tumauini, San Pablo, Ilagan City, San Mariano, and Dinapigue
- Northern and central Apayao, including Calanasan, Luna, Santa Marcela, Flora, Pudtol, and Kabugao
- Northeastern Ilocos Norte, particularly Pagudpud and Adams
- Northeastern Catanduanes, including Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, and Gigmoto
Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience winds of 39 to 61 kph, posing minimal to minor threats to life and property.
PAGASA said Signal No. 2 or 3 could be the highest warning level raised during Rosal’s passage.
Strong winds, heavy rains expected
The weather bureau warned that Rosal’s outer circulation and the northeasterly windflow could bring strong to gale-force gusts across several parts of the country.
On Wednesday, gusty conditions are expected over the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Romblon, Eastern Visayas, Siquijor, Bohol, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao Region, and Sarangani.
By Thursday, October 22, strong winds could affect most of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as portions of Mindanao.
Similar conditions may persist through Friday, October 23.
PAGASA also cautioned that heavy rainfall and severe winds could affect areas outside the storm’s projected path.
Residents in flood- and landslide-prone communities were advised to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions from local authorities.
Dangerous sea conditions
A gale warning remains in effect over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of the Visayas.
PAGASA warned of very rough seas, with waves reaching up to eight meters along the coasts of Batanes and the northern and eastern seaboards of Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands.
Waves could reach six meters along the remaining coasts of Cagayan and the seaboard of Isabela, while five-meter waves are possible along the eastern coast of northern Aurora and the northern and eastern coasts of Catanduanes.
The weather bureau warned that sea travel is dangerous for vessels of all sizes in areas experiencing very rough conditions.
Mariners were urged to remain in port or seek safe shelter until winds and waves subside.
Operators of small fishing boats and motorbancas were also advised against sailing in areas experiencing rough seas.
Rosal closest to Northern Luzon Thursday to Friday
Based on PAGASA’s forecast, Rosal will continue moving west-northwestward on Wednesday before turning northwestward through Friday morning.
The super typhoon is expected to make its closest approach to Extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday and Friday afternoon.
It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening or early Saturday morning, October 24.
PAGASA said Rosal could intensify further within the next six hours before gradually weakening. It is forecast to weaken into a typhoon by Thursday and a severe tropical storm by Sunday, October 25.
The weather bureau emphasized that changes in the storm’s track remain possible.
Authorities urged residents, particularly those in vulnerable communities, to prepare for potentially hazardous weather and closely monitor official advisories.
PAGASA’s next tropical cyclone bulletin is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday.
(Photo courtesy of DOST-PAGASA)
