Tropical Cyclone Champi (international name) is expected to reintensify into a super typhoon and may prompt Storm Signal No. 4, especially in Northern Luzon, posing a severe threat to life and property in affected areas, according to the state weather bureau on Monday.
Typhoon Champi has maintained its strength while moving west-northwestward over the sea west of Guam, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)’s 11 a.m. weather advisory.
It packed maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 215 kph.
Champi is expected to strengthen on Monday evening and reach super typhoon status, with maximum sustained winds exceeding 185 kph, PAGASA said.
It is then expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday morning or early afternoon and will be given the local name Rosal. It will be the country’s 18th tropical cyclone this year.
PAGASA said storm wind signals are likely to be raised over the northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon and parts of the Bicol Region by Monday evening or Tuesday morning due to strong winds associated with Champi.
PAGASA said Wind Signal Nos. 3 and 4 may be raised, with Signal No. 4 being the highest possible signal for the affected areas at this time. Under these signals, winds may pose a severe threat to life and property.
Gusty conditions over most parts of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao are likely to begin on Wednesday. Heavy rains are also expected in extreme Northern Luzon due to the weather disturbance.
PAGASA said it will issue a weather advisory on the potential for heavy rains associated with Champi. — Edg Adrian A. Eva