Signal No. 1 up in 5 Luzon areas as Super Typhoon Rosal enters PAR

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over five areas in Luzon after Super Typhoon Champi entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was given the local name Rosal, the state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday.

Rosal entered PAR at 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Rosal was packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 230 kph.

The super typhoon was last spotted 1,385 kilometers east of Central Luzon, with strong to typhoon-force winds extending up to 720 kilometers from its center.

Rosal is moving west-northwestward at 25 kph.

Warning signal

The state weather bureau hoisted the following tropical cyclone wind signal:

Signal No. 1

Luzon

• Batanes
• Eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island, Camiguin Island, Didicas Island)
• Eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Buguey, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca)
• Northeastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, San Pablo, Cabagan, Santa Maria, Tumauini, Ilagan City)
• Northeastern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto)

Residents in these areas may experience strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 kph within the next 36 hours, which could pose minimal to minor threats to life and property.

PAGASA said the highest wind signal that may be raised during Rosal's passage is Signal No. 2 or 3.

The northeast monsoon and Rosal's outer circulation will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over parts of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Sea conditions

Very rough seas, with waves reaching up to 4.5 meters, are expected along the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes.

Rough seas, with waves reaching up to 4 meters, may affect the seaboard of Isabela, the eastern seaboards of Batanes, Babuyan Islands and mainland Cagayan, as well as the northern seaboards of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.

PAGASA advised mariners to remain in port or seek shelter in a safe harbor in areas where very rough seas are expected. Operators of small vessels, including motorbancas, were also advised against venturing out to sea under rough conditions.

The weather bureau said a gale warning may be issued Tuesday afternoon or evening over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon.

Track, intensity

Rosal is expected to move west-northwestward until Wednesday, October 21, before moving generally northwestward until Friday morning.

On Friday afternoon, the super typhoon is forecast to turn north-northwestward to northward before exiting PAR by Friday evening or early Saturday, October 24.

PAGASA said Rosal is forecast to maintain its super typhoon strength and may further intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea.

It is expected to weaken into a typhoon on Thursday, October 22, and may further weaken into a severe tropical storm by Saturday evening or Sunday morning while outside PAR due to an unfavorable environment.