Signal No. 1 up in 7 areas as Super Typhoon Rosal intensifies

MANILA, Philippines, October 21 ------ Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect over several parts of Luzon as Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) further intensified while moving over the sea east of Northern Luzon, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin on Wednesday, October 21, PAGASA said Rosal was packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 265 kph. The super typhoon was last spotted 990 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, moving west-northwestward at 30 kph. Strong to typhoon-force winds extend up to 780 kilometers from the center.

Warning signal

The state weather bureau hoisted the following tropical cyclone wind signal:

Signal No. 1

Luzon

Batanes

Babuyan Islands

Mainland Cagayan

Eastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Santo Tomas, Tumauini, San Pablo, Ilagan City, San Mariano, Dinapigue)

Northern and central portions of Apayao (Calanasan, Luna, Santa Marcela, Flora, Pudtol, Kabugao)

Northeastern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Adams)

Northeastern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto)

Residents in these areas may experience strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 kph within the next 36 hours, which could pose minimal to minor threats to life and property.

PAGASA said the highest wind signal that may be raised during Rosal's passage is Signal No. 2 or 3. The northeast monsoon and Rosal's outer circulation will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas:

- Wednesday, October 21: Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Romblon, Eastern Visayas, Siquijor, Bohol, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao Region 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, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.

PAGASA said the public should refer to Weather Advisory No. 3, issued at 5 a.m. Wednesday, for the heavy rainfall outlook due to Rosal.

Sea conditions

A gale warning is in effect over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of the Visayas. Very rough seas, with waves reaching up to 8 meters, are expected along the seaboards of Batanes and the northern and eastern seaboards of Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands. Waves may reach up to 6 meters along the remaining seaboards of Cagayan and the seaboard of Isabela.

Very rough seas, with waves reaching up to 5 meters, are also expected along the eastern seaboard of northern Aurora and the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes. PAGASA warned that sea travel is risky for all types of vessels in areas where very rough seas are expected. Mariners were advised to remain in port or seek shelter in a safe harbor until winds and waves subside. Operators of small vessels, including motorbancas, were also advised against venturing out to sea under rough conditions.

Track, intensity

Rosal is expected to continue moving west-northwestward on Wednesday before turning northwestward until Friday morning, October 23. The super typhoon is forecast to pass 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 further intensification remains possible within the next six hours as Rosal moves over the Philippine Sea, before a weakening trend begins. The tropical cyclone is forecast to weaken into a typhoon on Thursday and into a severe tropical storm by Sunday, October 25. The weather bureau cautioned that heavy rainfall and severe winds may still affect areas outside the forecast track and that Rosal's path may still change.

Source: philstar.com