MANILA: 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 Rosal entered the PAR at 10.40 am.
In its 11 am weather forecast, Pagasa said Rosal was last estimated to be about 1,385 kilometres east of Central Luzon. It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometres per hour (kph), with gusts of up to 230 kph.
Pagasa said TCWS No. 1 had been raised in Batanes; the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, including the Babuyan Islands, Camiguin Islands and Didicas Islands; the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan, covering Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Buguey, Gattaran, Baggao and Peñablanca; the northeastern portion of Isabela, covering Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, San Pablo, Cabagan, Santa Maria, Tumauini and Ilagan City; and the northeastern portion of Catanduanes, covering Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga and Gigmoto.
Under this wind signal, the weather bureau warned of minimal to minor threats to life and property, with wind speeds ranging from 39 to 61 kph.
Pagasa also said Rosal was forecast to maintain its strength as a super typhoon and could intensify further while moving over the Philippine Sea.
It may weaken into a typhoon on Thursday before further weakening 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. - Inquirer/ANN
