MANILA, Philippines – Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) maintained its strength on Wednesday, October 21, while moving over the sea east of Northern Luzon, according to PAGASA.
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| Photo courtesy: DOST-PAGASA |
In its 11:00 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Rosal packed maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 265 kph. It was moving west northwestward at 25 kph, with its center located 845 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals
The following Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) were in effect as of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday:
TCWS No. 2
- Wind threat: Gale-force winds
- Warning lead time: 24 hours
- Wind speed: 62 to 88 kph (Beaufort 8 to 9)
- Potential impacts: Minor to moderate threat to life and property
- Area affected: Batanes
TCWS No. 1
- Wind threat: Strong winds
- Warning lead time: 36 hours
- Wind speed: 39 to 61 kph (Beaufort 6 to 7)
- Potential impacts: Minimal to minor threat to life and property
- Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands
- Eastern Isabela, including Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Santo Tomas, Tumauini, San Pablo, Ilagan City, San Mariano, and Dinapigue
- Ilocos Norte
- Apayao
- Northeastern Catanduanes, including Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, and Gigmoto
Areas affected:
PAGASA said the highest wind signal that may be raised during Rosal's passage is Signal No. 2 or 3.
Heavy rainfall outlook
PAGASA forecast rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters in the following areas:
- Wednesday to noon Thursday, October 22: Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and Cagayan
- Noon Thursday to noon Friday, October 23: Batanes and Cagayan
Rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas. Impacts may also worsen in areas that have already experienced significant rainfall.
Strong winds across several regions
Rosal's outer circulation and the northeasterly wind flow are expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts, particularly in coastal and upland areas exposed to the winds.
Wednesday, October 21: Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Romblon, Eastern Visayas, Siquijor, Bohol, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao Region, Aurora, and Sarangani.
Thursday, October 22: Most of Luzon and the Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Northern Mindanao, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
Friday, October 23: Most of Luzon and the Visayas, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
Track and intensity outlook
Rosal is forecast to move northwestward on Thursday before turning north northwestward on Friday and recurving northeastward by Sunday, October 25.
It is expected to come closest to Extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday and Friday afternoon before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening or early Saturday, October 24.
PAGASA said Rosal was at its peak intensity, with gradual weakening expected to begin Wednesday afternoon or evening. It may weaken into a typhoon by Thursday and a severe tropical storm by Sunday.
Residents are advised to monitor PAGASA's latest bulletins and local government advisories. Heavy rainfall and severe winds may affect areas outside the typhoon's forecast track.
— The Summit Express
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