Rosal now at peak intensity; Wind Signal no. 2 up in Batanes

MANILA — Super Typhoon Rosal is now at its peak intensity, according to PAGASA.

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, it was located 845 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.

It has maximum sustained winds of 215 kph, with gustiness up to 265 kph, and is moving west northwestward at 25 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is now hoisted in Batanes, where very strong are expected in the next 24 hours.

• Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

• Eastern Isabela

• Apayao

• Ilocos Norte

• Northeastern Catanduanes

Strong winds may begin affecting these localities this Wednesday.

More areas may be placed under wind signals as Rosal moves nearer to Northern Luzon.

PAGASA said Signal no. 2 or 3 could be the highest wind warning that will be raised during the typhoon’s passage.

Rosal will remain offshore throughout its passage inside the Philippine area of responsibility.

It will continue moving northwestward over the Philippines Sea and maintain super typhoon strength through Thursday morning. It will gradually weaken but remain a strong typhoon afterwards.

Rosal may recurve east of Taiwan and eventually exit the PAR by Friday evening or early Saturday morning.

It will make its closest approach to Batanes, at around 350 kilometers, between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Stormy conditions may be experienced in the province during this period.

Super Typhoon Rosal may bring rains over parts of Northern and Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas on Wednesday as it continues to move closer to Northern Luzon, according to PAGASA.

Moderate to heavy rains are expected in Apayao and Ilocos Norte from midday Wednesday through Thursday noon and in Batanes and Cagayan through Friday noon.

Scattered rains and gusty winds are also likely over the rest of Northern Luzon.

Apart from Northern Luzon, gusty winds and some rains may also be expected in central and southern Philippines due to the storms’ far-reaching trough or extension.

Palawan, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Sulu Archipelago may experience scattered light to moderate rains from Thursday to Saturday.

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.