Typhoon Rosal Remains East Northeast of Batanes as Wind Signals Stay Up in Extreme Northern Luzon
Typhoon Rosal (Champi) maintained its strength as of DOST-PAGASA's 5:30 AM update on Friday, October 23, 2026. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains up over Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, while Signal No. 1 is still raised over parts of Northern Luzon.
PAGASA Weather Specialist Obet Badrina said the typhoon has winds of 155 km/h near the center, with gusts of up to 190 km/h. The center of its eye was last located 275 km east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving northwestward at 15 km/h.
Closest to Batanes this morning
Badrina said Rosal is expected to be closest to Batanes this morning, so residents of Extreme Northern Luzon were urged to take extra care. Based on PAGASA's latest track, the typhoon may leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early tomorrow, around dawn.
Wind signals
Signal No. 2 covers Batanes and the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands. Signal No. 1 covers Ilocos Norte, Apayao, the remaining parts of Cagayan, and some parts of Isabela. PAGASA said residents in areas under these signals should stay careful, as the direct effects of the typhoon are still expected over Extreme Northern Luzon and some parts of Northern Luzon.
Heavy rain, floods, and landslides
The extent of the typhoon is still expected to bring rain, especially over Extreme Northern Luzon and some parts of Northern Luzon. Batanes may receive 50 to 100 mm of rain today, which PAGASA described as within the heavy range. The bureau warned of possible flash floods and landslides in the area.
Strong gusts even without a signal
Even in areas without a wind signal, strong gusts are still possible today over large parts of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as the Davao Region, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Camiguin. PAGASA said these are caused by the outer portion of the typhoon and the northeasterly windflow, or the wind coming from the northeast.
Tomorrow, Saturday, strong gusts are expected over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, the Polillo Islands, the Bicol Region, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. By Sunday, gusts from the northeasterly windflow are possible over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands.
Gale warning over the seas
A gale warning remains in effect, with large waves expected over the seas. PAGASA said it remains risky for sea vessels and boats to sail along the seaboards of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and Aurora. The warning also covers the northern and eastern coasts of the Polillo Islands, the northeastern coast of Catanduanes, and the coasts of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.
Small boats are at the highest risk, and fishermen and operators were advised not to sail today in these areas.
Weather in the rest of the country
Cloudy skies are expected over parts of the Visayas, Palawan, Masbate, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi because of the typhoon's trough extension. Rain is possible in these areas.
Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, along with Mindanao, can expect hot weather today, with localized rain showers and thunderstorms possible from the afternoon into the evening.
This weekend, cloudy skies may continue over the Visayas and parts of Mindanao because the intertropical convergence zone may affect those areas.
Low pressure area outside PAR
PAGASA is also monitoring a low pressure area outside PAR, located 2,310 km east of Northeastern Mindanao. It has a low chance of becoming a tropical cyclone and is not affecting the country for now.
Where to get updates
PAGASA's next update on Rosal will be at 11:00 AM today. The public can follow the agency on X, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as on pagasa.dost.gov.ph and panahon.gov.ph.
"Maghanda po tayo lagi para ligtas na Pilipinas," Badrina said in closing.
Quick Summary
What: PAGASA update on Typhoon Rosal (Champi), with Signals No. 2 and 1 raised in Northern Luzon and a gale warning in effect
Where: Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, and other parts of Northern Luzon, with strong gusts expected elsewhere in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao
When: 5:30 AM update, Friday, October 23, 2026; next update at 11:00 AM
Impact on the Philippines: Rain, possible flash floods and landslides, strong gusts, and rough seas
Source: DOST-PAGASA press briefing, Weather Specialist Obet Badrina