Champi may trigger wind signals in Cagayan, Isabela by Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines — Wind signals may be raised in parts of Cagayan and Isabela starting Wednesday as Super Typhoon Champi approaches the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), with its closest approach to Northern Luzon expected later this week, the state weather bureau said Monday.

In its 5 p.m. public weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Champi was still outside PAR as of 3 p.m. Monday, located 1,525 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon.

The super typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 230 kph, moving west-northwestward at 15 kph.

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Pagasa weather specialist Charmagne Varilla said Champi could enter PAR on Tuesday morning or afternoon, when it would be given the local name Rosal. 

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READ: Typhoon Champi maintains strength ahead of expected entry in PAR

“As of now, it has no direct effect on any part of the country,” Varilla said. 

The storm is expected to remain a super typhoon as it moves over the waters east of Northern Luzon before possibly weakening to typhoon strength by Thursday.

The storm’s forecast track has been shifting away from extreme Northern Luzon, according to Varilla. “If its track continues to shift farther north, the chance of it making landfall in any part of the country may decrease,” she said.

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Despite the absence of a direct impact from Champi, its trough is expected to bring rain to parts of the country in the coming days. 

Pagasa said Catanduanes, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar may experience cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms, with possible flash floods and landslides due to moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall.

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The Bicol region may also experience worsening weather from Wednesday through Thursday, while much of the Visayas could see rain from Wednesday to Friday. Parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro, may also experience rainfall.

Pagasa said wind signals may be issued in parts of Cagayan and Isabela starting Wednesday as the storm approaches. 

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The bureau urged the public to monitor succeeding forecasts and advisories for updates on Champi’s track and potential effects. /das