Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) continued to weaken as it moved west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Batanes, but Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 remained in effect over Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, PAGASA said Thursday.
In its 11 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin on October 22, PAGASA estimated Rosal’s center at 400 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gusts of up to 230 km/h.
The tropical cyclone was moving west-northwestward at 20 km/h, with strong to typhoon-force winds extending up to 780 kilometers from its center.
Under TCWS No. 2, gale-force winds of 62 to 88 km/h may affect Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands within 24 hours, posing minor to moderate threats to life and property.
Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 remained in effect over the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, parts of eastern Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao, where strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h may occur within 36 hours.
PAGASA said Wind Signal No. 3 may be raised over Batanes as Rosal approaches Extreme Northern Luzon, although this becomes less likely if the cyclone follows a more north-northwestward track.
Rough seas, strong winds expected
PAGASA warned of very rough to very high seas along the northern and eastern seaboards of Batanes, where waves could reach 12 meters.
Wave heights could also reach nine meters along the seaboard of the Babuyan Islands and parts of Batanes and northeastern mainland Cagayan.
Sea travel remains dangerous for all types of vessels in affected waters. Mariners were advised to remain in port or seek safe shelter until winds and waves subside, while operators of small boats were warned against venturing out to sea in rough conditions.
The northeast monsoon and Rosal’s outer circulation are also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts across parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao through Saturday, October 24.
PAGASA advised the public to remain alert for possible heavy rainfall and severe winds, including in areas outside the cyclone’s forecast track.
Rosal may exit PAR by Friday
PAGASA said Rosal would continue moving generally northwestward until Thursday night before turning north-northwestward Friday morning and recurving north-northeastward by Saturday.
The cyclone is expected to pass closest to Extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday evening or early Saturday.
Rosal may be downgraded from a super typhoon to a typhoon within Thursday, with further weakening expected by Saturday, when it could become a severe tropical storm.
PAGASA urged residents in areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall and strong winds to follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local authorities.
