Storm Signal No. 2 has been raised over Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands due to Super Typhoon Champi, which is expected to move near Northern Luzon, bringing life-threatening winds and rains, according to the state weather bureau on Thursday.
Under the wind signal, gale-force winds pose a minor to moderate threat to life and property, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11:00 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin.
Storm Signal No. 1 has been raised over the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, the eastern portion of Isabela, Ilocos Norte and Apayao due to Super Typhoon Champi, locally known as Rosal.
PAGASA said strong winds are expected in areas under Signal No. 1, posing a minimal to minor threat to life and property.
Meanwhile, intense rainfall is expected in Batanes, with 100 to 200 millimeters (mm) of rain forecast over the next 24 hours, PAGASA said in its 11:00 a.m. weather advisory.
Apayao and Cagayan may experience heavy rainfall, with accumulations of 50 to 100 mm.
PAGASA warned of possible flooding and landslides in all affected areas.
Based on its forecast track and intensity, Super Typhoon Champi is expected to pass closest to extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.
Champi was last spotted 400 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 230 kph.
It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday evening or early Saturday morning. — Edg Adrian A. Eva