Typhoon Julian Intensifies, Nearing Super Typhoon Category

Typhoon Julian (KRATHON) continues to intensify as it nears super typhoon status, posing a significant threat to Batanes and Babuyan Islands. At 7:00 AM, the typhoon’s center was located over the coastal waters of Balintang Island, Calayan, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h and gusts up to 215 km/h. The typhoon’s central pressure has dropped to 940 hPa, indicating a powerful system. Moving west-northwestward at 10 km/h, Julian has a wind field extending up to 560 km from its center.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Julian is expected to continue its west-northwestward track today, passing very close to Balintang Island and Batanes. A landfall over these areas is possible. By tomorrow (1 October), the typhoon will begin to curve northeastward, moving towards the southwestern coast of Taiwan, where it is forecast to make landfall by Wednesday morning or afternoon. Julian is likely to reach super typhoon status tomorrow before weakening due to Taiwan’s rugged terrain. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday (3 October).

Image courtesy of PAGASA Website

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
  • Northern portions of Abra and Kalinga
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Northern portion of Ilocos Sur

TCWS No. 1

• Wind threat: Strong winds (39-61 km/h)
• Impact: Minimal to minor threat to life and property
• Areas:
  • Rest of Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Pangasinan
  • The rest of Abra and Kalinga
  • Ifugao
  • Mountain Province
  • Benguet
  • Isabela
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Quirino
  • Aurora
  • Northern and eastern Nueva Ecija
  • Polillo Islands

Severe Winds and Rainfall

Devastating typhoon-force winds are expected to impact areas under TCWS No. 4 this morning through the afternoon. Moderate to significant wind impacts will be felt in areas under TCWS No. 3, with gale-force winds in TCWS No. 2 areas. Strong winds will persist in regions under TCWS No. 1. Coastal and mountainous areas will experience stronger gusts, particularly in Pangasinan, Zambales, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and Bicol Region throughout today.

Coastal Hazards

A moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges exists over low-lying coastal areas in Batanes, Cagayan, and Ilocos Norte within the next 48 hours. Mariners are advised to remain in port, as sea conditions remain hazardous, with waves reaching up to 14 meters in Batanes and 10 meters in Babuyan Islands.

Public Advisory

Residents in affected areas should heed evacuation orders and take necessary precautions. Disaster risk reduction offices are on high alert as Julian intensifies. Stay updated with the latest bulletins and warnings from PAGASA for real-time weather conditions.