Super typhoon Rosal slightly weakens but threat remains over northern Luzon

Super typhoon Rosal slightly weakens but threat remains over northern Luzon. PAGASAMANILA — Super typhoon Rosal slightly weakened Wednesday afternoon but threat remained over parts of northern Luzon, accordig to PAGASA.

At 4 p.m. Wednesday, Rosal was still packing winds of 205 kph, with gusts of up to 250 kph. 

It was located 725 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan and moving west northwestward at 25 kph.

Wind Signal No. 2 is in effect over Batanes while Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, eastern Isabela, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, and northeastern Catanduanes.

More areas will be placed under wind signals, with Signal No. 3 as the highest possible warning.

Rosal will remain offshore and will move northwestward over the Philippine Sea. 

It may maintain its super typhoon strength though Thursday. 

It could then recurve off Taiwan and exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday evening or early Saturday morning.

Forecast track of super typhoon Rosal. PAGASA

Rosal may be nearest to Batanes from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. 

During this period, stormy conditions will prevail in the province. 

Moderate to heavy rains may also be experienced in Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte.