Still packing fierce winds as it churns north-northwestward over waters east of Taiwan, Typhoon Rosal — known internationally as Champi — had slightly intensified by Friday afternoon even as it heads toward an exit from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday morning, October 24, 2026. PAGASA issued Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 14 at 5:00 PM on Friday, October 23, placing parts of northern Luzon under wind signals.
Location and Wind Intensity
Based on all available data, PAGASA reported that as of 4:00 PM Friday, the typhoon's center was situated 385 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, at coordinates 24.0°N, 123.2°E. Rosal was carrying maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 190 km/h and a central pressure of 950 hPa. Tropical cyclone winds extended up to 850 kilometers outward from the center.
Projected Track Heading Toward Japan
According to PAGASA's track and intensity forecast, Rosal is expected to slow down and weaken progressively as it moves away from the Philippines. By 2:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, the storm's center is forecast to be 415 kilometers north of Itbayat, moving northwest at 10 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h, still within Typhoon category.
By 2:00 PM on Saturday, the center is forecast to be 560 kilometers north of Itbayat — already outside PAR — with winds dropping to 120 km/h and still classified as a Typhoon, moving northward at 10 km/h. By 2:00 AM on Sunday, October 25, the storm is projected at 720 kilometers north of Itbayat, further outside PAR, with winds reduced to 100 km/h and downgraded to Severe Tropical Storm category, heading north-northeastward at 15 km/h toward Japan.
PAGASA noted that Rosal will generally continue on a northwestward path until Saturday morning before turning northward and then north-northeastward between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The agency cautioned that the track may still shift within the limit of the forecast confidence cone.
Wind Signal Areas in Northern Luzon
PAGASA placed Batanes under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, which carries a 24-hour warning lead time and warns of gale-force winds of 62 to 88 km/h (Beaufort Scale 8 to 9), representing a minor to moderate threat to life and property.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 — indicating strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h (Beaufort Scale 6 to 7) with a minimal to minor threat — covers the following areas:
- Northern portion of Cagayan: Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Buguey, Gattaran, Baggao, Santa Praxedes, Claveria, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Ballesteros, Abulug, Allacapan, and Lasam, including the Babuyan Islands
- Northern portion of Ilocos Norte: Pagudpud, Adams, Bangui, Vintar, Burgos, Bacarra, Pasuquin, Carasi, and Dumalneg
- Northern portion of Apayao: Calanasan, Luna, Santa Marcela, Flora, and Pudtol
PAGASA stated that no wind signals are currently in effect for the Visayas or Mindanao.
Strong to Gale-Force Gusts Across Wider Areas
PAGASA advised that areas beyond the wind signal zones may still experience strong to gale-force gusts, particularly in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds. On Friday, October 23, most of Luzon and Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental were among the areas affected.
On Saturday, October 24, gusty conditions are expected over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, northern Quezon, Polillo Islands, Bicol Region, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. By Sunday, October 25, only Batanes and Babuyan Islands will remain affected, according to PAGASA.
Gale Warning and Sea Conditions
Under PAGASA Gale Warning No. 7, issued at 5:00 PM Friday, a Gale Warning remains in force over the seaboards of Northern Luzon. PAGASA warned that sea travel poses serious risks for all vessel types and tonnages in the most exposed waters, directing all mariners to remain in port or seek shelter immediately.
Wave heights over the next 24 hours are forecast to reach up to 7.0 meters along the northern seaboard of Batanes, up to 6.0 meters along the remaining Batanes seaboard, and up to 5.5 meters along the Babuyan Islands seaboard. Waves of up to 5.0 meters are expected along the seaboard of Ilocos Norte and the northern seaboard of mainland Cagayan.
Rough seas reaching up to 4.0 meters are forecast for the seaboards of northern La Union, northern Aurora, the remaining seaboard of Ilocos Sur, the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, and the northeastern seaboards of Northern and Eastern Samar, among others. PAGASA advised operators of small watercraft — including all types of motorbancas — not to venture out to sea, especially those who are inexperienced or using ill-equipped vessels.
Public Advisory from DOST-PAGASA
DOST-PAGASA urged the public and all disaster risk reduction and management offices to take every necessary step to protect lives and property. Residents in areas highly or very highly susceptible to hazards were directed to follow evacuation orders and other instructions issued by local authorities.
The agency reminded the public that heavy rainfall and strong winds may still be felt in localities outside both the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone. PAGASA encouraged the public to monitor updates from local PAGASA Regional Services Divisions for area-specific severe weather advisories. The next bulletin was scheduled for release at 11:00 PM on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Photo courtesy of DOST-PAGASA
Source: breakingnewsnegor.com