Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday morning, October 24, as it continues moving away from Extreme Northern Luzon, according to PAGASA.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin on Friday, October 23, PAGASA said Rosal had slightly weakened while moving north-northwestward over the sea east of Taiwan.
The center of the typhoon was estimated at 305 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, as of 10 a.m., with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 185 kph.
Rosal is moving north-northwestward at 15 kph, with strong to typhoon-force winds extending up to 900 kilometers from its center.
Despite its gradual weakening, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains in effect over Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, where gale-force winds of 62 to 88 kph may pose minor to moderate threats to life and property.
Signal No. 1, meanwhile, covers the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao, where strong winds of 39 to 61 kph are expected.
PAGASA also warned of dangerous sea conditions, with waves potentially reaching nine meters along the northern and eastern seaboards of Batanes within the next 24 hours.
Waves may reach up to seven meters along the northern seaboards of the Babuyan Islands and the remaining seaboard of Batanes, while waves of up to 5.5 meters are forecast along the northern seaboards of Ilocos Norte and mainland Cagayan.
Sea travel remains risky for all types and sizes of vessels in areas with very rough to very high seas. Mariners are advised to remain in port or seek safe shelter until conditions improve.
Strong to gale-force wind gusts may also affect parts of Luzon and Visayas, as well as Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental on Friday due to Rosal's outer circulation.
PAGASA expects Rosal to continue moving generally northwestward until Friday night before turning northward and then north-northeastward between Saturday and Sunday.
The typhoon is forecast to weaken gradually within the next 24 hours before weakening more rapidly.
It may be downgraded to a severe tropical storm by Saturday afternoon or evening and further weaken into a tropical storm by Sunday morning.
