Super Typhoon Champi has regained strength and is now tracking west-northwestward toward the Philippines, with PAGASA placing its center at 1,515 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon as of 4:00 PM on Monday, October 19. The state weather bureau issued Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 5A at 5:00 PM the same day.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Champi is sustaining maximum winds of 185 km/h near its center, with gusts reaching up to 230 km/h and a central pressure of 940 hectopascals. Tropical cyclone-force winds spread outward up to 720 kilometers from the storm's center.
PAR Crossing Forecast for Tuesday
PAGASA said Champi will continue its west-northwestward movement until it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday, October 20, sometime between the morning and early afternoon hours. Once inside PAR, the storm will be given the Philippine domestic name Rosal.
The typhoon is expected to retain its super typhoon classification upon entering PAR, with further intensification remaining possible over the Philippine Sea, according to the same advisory. PAGASA said the storm will maintain its west-northwestward heading through Wednesday, October 21, before shifting to a generally northwestward track starting Thursday, October 22. The storm is projected to leave PAR by Saturday, October 24.
Projected Track and Wind Intensity Through the Weekend
PAGASA's forecast track shows Champi peaking in intensity during the early hours of its PAR entry. At the 12-hour mark — 2:00 AM on Tuesday, October 20 — the storm's center is expected to be about 1,595 kilometers east of Central Luzon, still outside PAR, with maximum sustained winds climbing to 205 km/h.
By 2:00 PM Tuesday, Champi is forecast to be 1,280 kilometers east of Central Luzon, with winds at 195 km/h. The center is projected to reach 1,025 kilometers east of Northern Luzon by 2:00 AM on Wednesday, October 21, maintaining the same 195 km/h intensity.
At the 48-hour mark — 2:00 PM Wednesday — the storm is forecast to be 790 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan, still carrying 195 km/h winds. By 2:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, the center will be approximately 555 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, with winds holding at 195 km/h.
Gradual weakening is forecast to begin Thursday, PAGASA said. By 2:00 PM that day, the storm will be 445 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, with winds easing to 185 km/h. At the 96-hour mark — 2:00 PM on Friday, October 23 — Champi is projected to be 345 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, with winds dropping to 165 km/h, at which point it will be downgraded from super typhoon to typhoon status.
By 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 24, the center is forecast to be 555 kilometers north of Itbayat, Batanes — already outside PAR — with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h, still at typhoon strength.
Wind Signals Anticipated Over Northern Luzon and Bicol
PAGASA warned that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals may be raised over northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon and parts of the Bicol Region as early as Monday evening or Tuesday morning, ahead of the typhoon's approach. The agency said the highest wind signal expected under the current forecast is Wind Signal No. 2 or No. 3.
Gusty conditions are expected to affect most of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as portions of Mindanao, beginning Wednesday, October 21. PAGASA also flagged the likelihood of heavy rains over Extreme Northern Luzon, noting that a separate Weather Advisory will be issued to address those rainfall concerns.
Rough to Hazardous Seas Along Luzon Seaboards
PAGASA warned that moderate to rough seas may begin affecting the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao starting Tuesday, October 20. Hazardous sea conditions — categorised as very rough, high, or very high — are expected along the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon beginning Wednesday.
The weather bureau said a Gale Warning for very rough seas will be issued Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. Mariners and fishing vessels in affected areas were urged to closely monitor updates as conditions worsen.
DRRM Offices Told to Stay on Alert
PAGASA advised the public and all disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) offices to continue tracking updates as Champi approaches. The agency said its next advisory would be released at 11:00 PM on Monday, October 19, unless an intermediate bulletin is issued earlier.
Advisory No. 5A was prepared by PAGASA's Weather and Flood Forecasting Center in Quezon City, under the Department of Science and Technology. The full advisory is accessible at pubfiles.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
Source: Originally reported by breakingnewsnegor.com