Julian intesifies into a Super Typhoon as it moves slowly towards Taiwan

Super Typhoon Julian (KRATHON) has intensified further, now packing winds of 185 km/h near its center and gusts up to 230 km/h. With a central pressure of 925 hPa, Julian remains a formidable weather system as it moves slowly west-northwestward. At 4:00 AM, its center was located 205 km west of Itbayat, Batanes. Typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 620 km from the center, affecting large portions of northern Luzon.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Julian is expected to recurve towards the waters southwest of Taiwan today until tomorrow morning (2 October). The typhoon is forecast to make landfall on the southwestern coast of Taiwan by tomorrow morning or afternoon. After crossing Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, it will move northeastward into the East China Sea by Thursday (3 October), where it is expected to weaken. Super Typhoon Julian may briefly intensify in the next 24 hours, but will gradually weaken as it interacts with Taiwan’s rugged terrain.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) in Effect

TCWS No. 2

• Wind threat: Gale-force winds (62-88 km/h)
• Impact: Minor to moderate threat to life and property
• Areas:
  • Batanes
  • Babuyan Islands
  • Northern Ilocos Norte (Bacarra, Pasuquin, Bangui, Vintar, Burgos, Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Adams)
  • Northwestern mainland Cagayan (Santa Praxedes, Claveria, Sanchez-Mira)

TCWS No. 1

• Wind threat: Strong winds (39-61 km/h)
• Impact: Minimal to minor threat to life and property
• Areas:
  • Rest of Ilocos Norte
  • Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Pangasinan
  • Apayao
  • Kalinga
  • Abra
  • Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Benguet
  • Rest of mainland Cagayan
  • Isabela
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Northern Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)
  • Northern Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Lupao, Pantabangan)

Severe Winds and Rainfall

Gale-force winds are expected in areas under TCWS No. 2 within the next 24 hours, with strong winds affecting regions under TCWS No. 1. Coastal and mountainous areas exposed to winds are likely to experience stronger gusts. The wind threat will affect Ilocos Region, Cordillera, northern Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and other nearby regions today and tomorrow.

Coastal Hazards

There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges within the next 48 hours, particularly over low-lying coastal areas in Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Mariners are strongly advised to stay in port as sea travel remains dangerous, with waves reaching up to 7 meters in Batanes and up to 6 meters in Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte.

Public Advisory

Residents in affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and take necessary precautions. Disaster risk reduction offices are on high alert as Julian intensifies. Stay updated with the latest weather advisories and warnings from PAGASA for real-time information.