Super Typhoon Champi has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), prompting the hoisting of storm signal No. 1 over five areas in Luzon, with potentially life-threatening winds, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday.
Champi entered PAR at around 10:40 a.m. and was given the domestic name Rosal, PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel T. Servando said during an 11:30 a.m. press conference. This makes it the country’s 18th tropical cyclone of 2026.
The super typhoon was last located 1,385 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 230 kph.
PAGASA hoisted storm signal No. 1 over Batanes, the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan, the northeastern part of Isabela, and the northeastern part of Catanduanes amid the threat posed by Champi.
Under the wind signal, the affected areas are likely to experience winds that may pose a minimal to minor threat to life and property within the next 36 hours.
“Because Super Typhoon Rosal poses a threat, let us ensure that our homes are safe and avoid sailing if sea conditions are dangerous,” Mr. Servando said in Filipino during the press conference.
The highest wind signals that may be raised during Rosal’s passage are Signal Nos. 2 and 3.
Mr. Servando also warned of tropical cyclone-related hazards, including heavy rains, rough seas, flooding and landslides.
As for Champi’s track and intensity outlook, the super typhoon is expected to weaken into a typhoon on Thursday and continue to weaken before exiting PAR on Friday evening or early Saturday morning. — Edg Adrian A. Eva