Typhoon Julian Intensifies, Threatens Batanes and Babuyan Islands

Typhoon Julian (KRATHON) continues to strengthen as it moves toward Batanes and Babuyan Islands, posing a significant threat to the region. The typhoon is currently located 125 km southeast of Basco, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h near its center, gusts reaching up to 187 km/h, and a central pressure of 960 hPa. Moving westward at 15 km/h, Julian is expected to intensify further, possibly reaching super typhoon status within the next 48 hours.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Julian is forecast to move west-northwest through the Balintang and Bashi Channels, making landfall or passing very close to Batanes by tomorrow morning or afternoon (30 September). Afterward, it will sharply turn northward, potentially hitting Taiwan by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. As it intensifies over the Philippine Sea, Julian could make its landfall near Batanes during its strengthening phase. The storm 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
• Northeastern portion of Babuyan Islands

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

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
• Abra
• Kalinga
• Ifugao
• Mountain Province
• Benguet
• Isabela
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Quirino
• Northern and central Aurora

Severe Winds and Rainfall

Typhoon-force winds are expected in areas under Signal No. 4, with storm-force winds affecting regions under Signal No. 3. Gale-force and strong winds will be felt in areas under Signals No. 2 and 1, respectively. The wind threat will be enhanced in coastal and mountainous regions. In addition, strong to gale-force gusts are expected across parts of Pangasinan, Zambales, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and Bicol Region.

Coastal Hazards

Storm surges are likely within the next 48 hours over low-lying coastal areas in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and northern mainland Cagayan, posing a high risk to life and property. Mariners are advised to avoid sea travel, as rough to very rough sea conditions are expected across the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon, with waves reaching up to 14 meters in some areas.

Public Advisory

Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautionary measures and follow evacuation orders from local authorities. Stay tuned to updates from PAGASA and local disaster management offices for further warnings and advisories.