Super Typhoon Rosal may peak at 220 kph

MANILA — Super Typhoon Rosal, with international name Champi, may reach its peak intensity of 220 kilometers per hour maximum sustained winds within the next 12 hours, PAGASA said in a bulletin late Tuesday.

As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, Rosal had sustained winds of 215 kph, with gustiness up to 265 kph.

The super typhoon remains far from land, and was located 1,150 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.

It is moving west northwestward at 25 kph.

Satellite images show the monster typhoon resembling a donut, with distinct and large eye surrounded by a nearly uniform ring of a thick cloud cover.

The sheer intensity of violent winds along the super typhoon’s eyewall keeps its rain band symmetrical and relatively smaller.

However, its wind field extends much farther, with strong winds reaching as far as 780 kilometers from the center.

Because of its expansive wind field, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, northern and eastern portions of mainland Cagayan, northeastern Isabela, and northern Ilocos Norte and even northeastern Catanduanes in Bicol Region.

Strong winds may begin affecting these areas Tuesday evening.

Rosal will remain far from land. 

It will continue moving northwestward over the Philippines Sea, maintaining super typhoon strength through Thursday.

It will make its closest approach to Batanes, at around 350 kilometers, between Thursday and Friday. 

Stormy conditions may be experienced in the province during this period, with winds corresponding to signal no. 2 or 3 and heavy rainfall expected.

From Friday, Rosal is seen to recurve east of Taiwan, eventually exiting the Philippine area of responsibility later that day or early Saturday.

Despite remaining offshore, gusty winds and some rains may be expected in some parts of the country due to the storms’ far-reaching trough or extension.

Scattered rains are possible in Bicol and Eastern Visayas on Wednesday. More intense rainfall may affect Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, and Ilocos Norte on Thursday and Friday.

Palawan, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Sulu Archipelago may also expect light to moderate rains during the same period.

However, Metro Manila will continue to experience warm and humid conditions through the weekend, with occasions of cloudiness and isolated rain showers or localized thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon or evening.

The public is advised to continue monitoring updates on Super Typhoon Rosal as its forecast track and intensity will still change.

Apart from Rosal, no other weather disturbances are expected inside the PAR through the weekend.