Typhoon Rosal keeps strength; 2 areas under Signal No. 2

MANILA, Philippines, October 23 ------ Two areas remained under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 as Typhoon Rosal maintained its strength while moving over the sea east of Batanes, the state weather bureau reported.

In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Rosal had a sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 190 kph. Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, such as Babuyan Island, Panuitan Island, Calayan Island, and Camiguin Island remained under TCWS No. 2.

Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 was also hoisted over the following areas:

- The rest of Babuyan Islands

- Mainland Cagayan

- The northeastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Santa Maria, Cabagan, San Pablo, Palanan)

- Ilocos Norte

- Apayao

Rosal was located 275 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving northwestward at 15 kph. Pagasa said the typhoon will continue moving generally northwestward until Saturday before moving northward and then northeastward between Saturday and Sunday.

The tropical cyclone is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday early morning. It is expected to weaken gradually within 24 hours and may be downgraded into a severe tropical storm by Saturday morning.

Source: inquirer.net