Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) was located 495 kilometres east of Basco, Batanes as of 4:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, 2026, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h near the centre and gusts of up to 240 km/h, according to Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 8 issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) at 5:00 AM.
The storm is moving northwestward at 20 km/h and has a central pressure of 915 hectopascals. PAGASA noted that Rosal is slightly weakening as it continues over the Philippine Sea.
Wind Signals Raised Over Northern Luzon
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is in effect over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Babuyan Islands. Gale-force winds of 62 to 88 km/h are expected in these areas within a 24-hour warning lead time, posing a minor to moderate threat to life and property, PAGASA said.
TCWS No. 1 covers the rest of Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, the eastern portion of Isabela — including the municipalities of Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Santo Tomas, Tumauini, San Pablo, Ilagan City, San Mariano, and Dinapigue — as well as Ilocos Norte and Apayao. Strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h are expected within a 36-hour lead time, presenting minimal to minor threat to life and property.
PAGASA warned that the highest wind signal that may be raised during the passage of Rosal is TCWS No. 3, which is likely to be hoisted over Batanes. However, the agency noted that if the storm tracks more north-northwestward, hoisting of TCWS No. 3 will become less likely.
Strong Gusts to Affect Wide Swath of the Country
Beyond the formal wind signal areas, PAGASA said the northeasterly windflow and the periphery of Rosal will bring strong to gale-force gusts — particularly in coastal and upland areas — across a broad area over the next three days.
On Thursday, October 22, strong gusts are expected over most of Luzon and Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Northern Mindanao, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
On Friday, October 23, most of Luzon and Visayas, as well as Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental, will continue to experience these conditions.
On Saturday, October 24, the affected areas shift to Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Polillo Islands, the Bicol Region, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.
Dangerous Seas Along Luzon's Northern and Eastern Coasts
A Gale Warning is in effect over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon, as stated in PAGASA's Gale Warning No. 4, also issued at 5:00 AM Thursday.
Wave heights along the northern and eastern seaboards of Batanes are forecast to reach up to 12.0 metres — conditions PAGASA described as making sea travel risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. The agency directed all mariners in the area to remain in port or, if already underway, to seek shelter or safe harbour as soon as possible.
Slightly lower but still hazardous seas of up to 9.0 metres are expected along the remaining seaboards of Batanes, the seaboards of Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan. Rough seas of up to 4.0 metres are forecast as far south as the northern seaboard of Northern Samar. PAGASA advised mariners of small seacrafts and motorbancas not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels.
Forecast Track: Closest Approach to Extreme Northern Luzon This Afternoon
PAGASA's track and intensity forecast shows Rosal weakening progressively over the next 60 hours. By 2:00 PM Thursday, the storm's maximum sustained winds are forecast to drop to 175 km/h as it moves to about 380 km east of Basco. By 2:00 AM Friday, October 23, winds are expected to further ease to 165 km/h at approximately 300 km east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
PAGASA said Rosal will continue moving northwestward until Friday morning, then begin turning north-northwestward by Friday afternoon before recurving north-northeastward by Saturday, October 24. On this forecast track, the storm will be at its closest to Extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.
The tropical cyclone is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening or Saturday early morning. By the 48-hour mark — 2:00 AM Saturday — the storm is forecast to be 495 km north of Itbayat, Batanes, already outside PAR, with winds down to 140 km/h. At the 60-hour mark — 2:00 PM Saturday — Rosal is forecast to be 735 km north-northeast of Itbayat, with winds reduced to 110 km/h, at which point it would be downgraded to a severe tropical storm.
PAGASA said Rosal may be downgraded from super typhoon to typhoon category within Thursday itself, and will begin to rapidly weaken by Saturday.
Heavy Rainfall and Evacuation Guidance
PAGASA referred the public to Weather Advisory No. 7, also issued at 5:00 AM Thursday, for the heavy rainfall outlook associated with Rosal. The agency emphasized that heavy rainfall and severe winds may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone, and that the track may still shift within the limits of the cone.
DOST-PAGASA advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to hazards were urged to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
The next tropical cyclone bulletin was scheduled for release at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Photo courtesy of PAGASA/DOST