Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) maintained its strength as it moved northwestward over the sea east-northeast of Batanes early Friday, October 23, according to PAGASA.
In its 5 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said Rosal’s center was located 275 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, at 4 a.m.
The typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 190 kph, and is moving northwestward at 15 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 remains in effect over Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, including Babuyan, Panuitan, Calayan and Camiguin islands, where gale-force winds of 62 to 88 kph may occur.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is raised over the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, northeastern Isabela, Ilocos Norte and Apayao, where strong winds of 39 to 61 kph are expected.
PAGASA also warned of strong to gale-force wind gusts across most of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental on Friday.
Dangerous sea conditions are also expected, particularly along the northern and eastern seaboards of Batanes, where waves could reach up to 12 meters. Sea travel remains risky for all types of vessels in affected waters, and mariners are advised to remain in port or seek safe shelter.
PAGASA said Rosal is expected to continue moving northwestward until Saturday, October 24, before turning northward and then north-northeastward. It is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Saturday.
