Typhoon GORIO Maintains Strength as It Moves West Northwestward Over Philippine Sea

Typhoon GORIO (PODUL) continues to maintain its strength as it tracks west northwestward over the Philippine Sea. PAGASA has placed Batanes under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the center of Typhoon GORIO was located at 4:00 PM today about 440 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes (21.5°N, 126.0°E). The system has maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center, gusts of up to 150 km/h, and a central pressure of 975 hPa. It is moving west northwestward at 25 km/h, with strong to typhoon-force winds extending outward up to 400 kilometers from the center.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Next 12 hours: Moving westward.
• Remainder of forecast period: Turning west northwestward, potentially making landfall over the eastern coast of southern Taiwan tomorrow (13 August) morning or afternoon before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by late tomorrow.
• GORIO may intensify further before landfall in Taiwan, then weaken afterwards.

Severe Winds

• Current TCWS: No. 1 over Batanes (strong winds, minimal to minor threat to life and property).
• Highest possible signal: TCWS No. 2 in Batanes based on current forecast.
• A southward shift in the track could expand areas under wind signals.
• Enhanced Southwest Monsoon to bring strong to gale-force gusts over:
  • Today: Babuyan Islands, northern portion of mainland Cagayan.
  • Tomorrow: Babuyan Islands, northern portion of mainland Cagayan, eastern portion of Isabela, northern portion of Ilocos Norte.

Hazards Affecting Land Areas

• Minimal to minor impacts possible in areas under Signal No. 1.
• Potential for increased coastal flooding in low-lying coastal areas if the track shifts further south.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

• Gale Warning: In effect over the seaboard of Extreme Northern Luzon.
• Sea Condition Outlook:
  • Very rough seas (up to 9.0 m): Seaboards of Batanes – risky for all vessels.
  • Rough seas (up to 3.5 m): Northern and eastern seaboards of Babuyan Islands – risky for small vessels.
  • Moderate seas (up to 2.5 m): Remaining seaboards of Babuyan Islands; northeastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan.
  • Moderate seas (up to 2.0 m): Remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan; seaboard of Isabela; northeastern seaboard of Aurora. Mariners of small vessels should take precaution or avoid navigation.