Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) was maintaining its strength Friday morning while moving northwestward over the sea east-northeast of Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h and gusts of up to 190 km/h, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 12 issued at 5:00 AM on Friday, October 23, 2026.
PAGASA placed Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, while the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, parts of Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao were under Signal No. 1.
Position and Strength at 4:00 AM Friday
As of 4:00 AM Friday, the center of the typhoon's eye was estimated at 275 kilometres east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, at coordinates 22.1°N, 124.1°E, PAGASA said. Central pressure stood at 945 hectopascals, and the storm was moving northwestward at 15 km/h.
Strong to typhoon-force winds extended outward up to 900 kilometres from the center, the bulletin stated.
Forecast Track: PAR Exit by Early Saturday
PAGASA said Rosal would continue moving generally northwestward until Saturday, October 24, before turning northward and then north-northeastward between Saturday and Sunday, October 25. On that forecast track, the typhoon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by early Saturday morning.
The agency's track and intensity forecast showed the storm weakening progressively as it moves away from the country:
- 2:00 PM Friday, October 23 — 350 km north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes; maximum sustained winds 140 km/h (Typhoon); moving northwest at 20 km/h.
- 2:00 AM Saturday, October 24 — 435 km north of Itbayat, Batanes; 130 km/h (Typhoon); moving north-northwest at 10 km/h.
- 2:00 PM Saturday, October 24 — 615 km north of Itbayat, Batanes (outside PAR); 110 km/h (Severe Tropical Storm); moving north at 15 km/h.
- 2:00 AM Sunday, October 25 — 800 km north of Itbayat, Batanes (outside PAR); 85 km/h (Tropical Storm); moving north-northeast at 15 km/h.
PAGASA said Rosal is forecast to weaken gradually within the first 24 hours, then weaken rapidly thereafter. It may be downgraded to a severe tropical storm by Saturday morning and is likely to further weaken into a tropical storm by Saturday evening.
Wind Signals and Affected Areas
Under Signal No. 2, gale-force winds of 62 to 88 km/h (Beaufort Scale 8 to 9) are expected within 24 hours, with minor to moderate threat to life and property, PAGASA said. Areas under this signal include Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, specifically Babuyan, Panuitan, Calayan, and Camiguin islands.
Signal No. 1 covers the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, the northeastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Santa Maria, Cabagan, San Pablo, and Palanan), Ilocos Norte, and Apayao. Strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h (Beaufort Scale 6 to 7) are expected within 36 hours, with minimal to minor threat to life and property.
Strong Gusts Expected Across Luzon and Visayas on Friday
Beyond the wind signal areas, the combined effect of the northeasterly windflow and Rosal's periphery will bring strong to gale-force gusts to coastal and upland areas across a much wider swath of the country, PAGASA warned.
- Today, Friday, October 23 — Most of Luzon and Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
- Saturday, October 24 — Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Polillo Islands, Bicol Region, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.
- Sunday, October 25 — Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
PAGASA noted that local winds may be slightly stronger in coastal and upland or mountainous areas exposed to the prevailing wind direction, and weaker in sheltered areas.
Dangerous Seas Off Northern Luzon
A Gale Warning was in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon as of the 5:00 AM bulletin, PAGASA said, referring the public to Gale Warning No. 6 issued at the same time.
The agency's 24-hour sea condition outlook described extreme conditions off the northern coasts, with waves up to 12.0 metres forecast over the northern and eastern seaboards of Batanes. Waves up to 9.0 metres were expected over the remaining Batanes seaboards, and up to 8.0 metres off the northern and eastern coasts of the Babuyan Islands and the northeastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan.
Waves of up to 6.0 metres were forecast over the remaining seaboards of Babuyan Islands and mainland Cagayan, the seaboard of northern Isabela, and the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte. Conditions gradually moderated further south, with waves of up to 4.5 metres forecast off parts of Ilocos Sur, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, the Polillo Islands, and Catanduanes.
PAGASA advised that sea travel is risky for all types and tonnages of vessels in the highest-affected areas, urging all mariners to remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately. Operators of small seacrafts and motorbancas were advised not to venture out to sea in areas with rough seas of up to 4.0 metres, while mariners in areas with moderate to rough seas of up to 2.5 metres were urged to take precautionary measures.
Heavy Rainfall Advisory Issued Separately
PAGASA directed the public to Weather Advisory No. 11, also issued at 5:00 AM Friday, for the heavy rainfall outlook associated with Rosal. The agency noted in its bulletin 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 that cone.
Public and DRRM Offices Urged to Act
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 agency said the public should monitor products issued by their local PAGASA Regional Services Division for heavy rainfall warnings, thunderstorm and rainfall advisories, and other severe weather information specific to their area.
The next tropical cyclone bulletin was scheduled for issuance at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 23, 2026, PAGASA said.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of DOST-PAGASA