Typhoon Julian Brings Violent Winds to Batanes and Babuyan Islands as It Moves Over the Balintang Channel
Typhoon Julian (KRATHON) continues to unleash violent winds over Batanes and Babuyan Islands as it tracks westward over the Balintang Channel. At 4:00 AM, the typhoon’s center was located near the coastal waters of Balintang Island, Calayan, Cagayan. With maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h and gusts reaching 190 km/h, Julian is a powerful system with a wide wind field extending 560 km from its center. Its central pressure has dropped to 950 hPa, indicating further strengthening.
Track and Intensity Outlook
Julian is expected to move west-northwestward today, passing very close to Balintang Island and Batanes. Landfall remains a possibility over these areas. By tomorrow (1 October), the typhoon will begin to curve northeastward towards Taiwan, making landfall over the southwestern coast of Taiwan by Wednesday morning or afternoon (2 October). Julian is forecast to intensify into a super typhoon before landfall but will weaken as it interacts with Taiwan’s rugged terrain. The typhoon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday (3 October).
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) in Effect
TCWS No. 4
- Wind threat: Typhoon-force winds (118-184 km/h)
- Impact: Significant to severe threat to life and property
- Areas:
- Batanes
- Northern Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island, Calayan Island)
TCWS No. 3
- Wind threat: Storm-force winds (89-117 km/h)
- Impact: Moderate to significant threat to life and property
- Areas:
- Rest of Babuyan Islands
- Northeastern mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana)
TCWS No. 2
- Wind threat: Gale-force winds (62-88 km/h)
- Impact: Minor to moderate threat to life and property
- Areas:
- Mainland Cagayan
- Apayao
- Ilocos Norte
TCWS No. 1
- Wind threat: Strong winds (39-61 km/h)
- Impact: Minimal to minor threat to life and property
- Areas:
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Abra
- Kalinga
- Ifugao
- Mountain Province
- Benguet
- Isabela
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Quirino
- Aurora
- Northern and eastern portions of Nueva Ecija
- Polillo Islands
Severe Winds and Rainfall
Typhoon-force winds will peak over areas under TCWS No. 4 from this morning until the afternoon. Areas under TCWS No. 3 can expect storm-force winds, while gale-force and strong winds will affect regions under TCWS No. 2 and 1. Additionally, strong to gale-force gusts will impact parts of Pangasinan, Zambales, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Romblon, and the Bicol Region throughout the day.
Coastal Hazards
There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges in the next 48 hours along coastal areas of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and northern mainland Cagayan. Mariners are advised to stay in port as sea conditions remain dangerous, with waves reaching up to 14 meters in Batanes and 10 meters in Babuyan Islands.
Public Advisory
Residents in affected areas should continue to heed evacuation orders and take all necessary precautions. Disaster risk reduction offices are advised to remain on high alert as Julian intensifies. Stay updated with the latest advisories from PAGASA for real-time information on rainfall warnings and other severe weather conditions.