By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) continued moving across the Philippine Sea on Wednesday, bringing the threat of strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous sea conditions as it approaches extreme Northern Luzon.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin on October 21, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed Rosal about 990 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching 265 kph.
The cyclone was moving west-northwestward at 30 kph, with further intensification possible before it begins to weaken.
PAGASA maintained Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, portions of Isabela and Apayao, northeastern Ilocos Norte, and northeastern Catanduanes.
Residents in these areas were advised to prepare for strong winds and possible disruptions, particularly in exposed coastal communities.
Storm to approach Batanes on Thursday
Rosal is forecast to move northwestward after Wednesday before approaching the vicinity of Batanes on Thursday and Friday. PAGASA’s forecast placed the cyclone about 550 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, early Thursday and about 405 kilometers east of Itbayat by Thursday afternoon.
Despite its projected weakening into a typhoon on Thursday, the system’s broad circulation could continue to affect areas far from its center.
Strong to gale-force wind gusts are expected across much of Luzon and the Visayas on Thursday, as well as parts of Mindanao, including Northern Mindanao, Caraga and sections of the Davao Region.
Dangerous seas expected
PAGASA warned of very rough seas, with waves reaching up to eight meters along the coasts of Batanes and the northern and eastern seaboards of Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands.
Waves could reach six meters along other coastal areas of Cagayan and the seaboard of Isabela, prompting authorities to advise small fishing boats and other vulnerable vessels to remain in port.
Metro Manila and other areas outside the storm’s immediate influence may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Eastern Visayas, Quezon and parts of Bicol and Cagayan Valley may experience more widespread showers and thunderstorms.
PAGASA expects Rosal to recurve northeastward over the weekend and leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday evening or early Saturday, October 24.
The public was urged to monitor official weather bulletins and follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.
Source: DOST-PAGASA, Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 4, issued at 5 a.m. on October 21, 2026.
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