Super Typhoon Rosal enters PAR; Signal No. 1 in 5 Luzon areas

MANILA, Philippines — Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday morning with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 raised over parts of Northern Luzon and Southern Luzon, according to the state weather bureau. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Rosal entered the PAR at 10:40 a.m.

READ: Super Typhoon Champi’s trough to bring rains to parts of Luzon, Visayas

In its 11 a.m. weather forecast, Pagasa said that Rosal was last estimated some 1,385 kilometers east of Central Luzon. It was carrying a maximum wind speed of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 230 kph. 

Pagasa then said that TCWS No. 1 was now hoisted in the following areas:

• Batanes
• Eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Islands, Camiguin Islands, Didicas Islands)
• Eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Buguey, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca)
• Northeastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, San Pablo, Cabagan, Santa Maria, Tumauini, Ilagan City)
• Northeastern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto)

READ: Champi may trigger wind signals in Cagayan, Isabela by Wednesday

Under this wind signal, the weather bureau warned of a potential minimal to minor threats to life and property where wind speeds range from 39 to 61 kph. 

Pagasa also said that Rosal is forecast to maintain its strength as a super typhoon and may further intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea.

It may weaken into a typhoon on Thursday and may further weaken into a severe tropical storm on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

Rosal is expected to exit the PAR by Friday evening or early Saturday morning.   /gsg