Rosal declared strongest cyclone in 2026

Rosal reached sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour, with gusts of up to 265 kph, weather specialist Benison Estareja said.

PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines — State weather forecasters have declared Super Typhoon Rosal as the “strongest” tropical cyclone so far this year as it reached its peak.

Rosal reached sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour, with gusts of up to 265 kph, weather specialist Benison Estareja said.

Rosal reached this peak late Tuesday evening.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Rosal was located 750 kms east of Aparri, Cagayan, packing winds of 205 kph and gusts of 250 kph.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 2 is raised in Batanes.

Wind signal No. 2 is also hoisted in Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, eastern portion of Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Apayao and the northeastern portion of Catanduanes.

Experts warned that wind signal No. 3 is still expected to be raised in the next few days.

Rosal is anticipated to be downgraded to a typhoon today and exit the Philippine area of responsibility by late Friday or early Saturday.

Landfall is still less likely as it moves northwest over the Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Malacañang gave assurance that the social welfare, health and environment departments are ready for Rosal.

“If there are heavy rains in your area, it may be an opportunity to collect rain water if your place is experiencing a dry spell,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said yesterday. –  Alexis Romero