Tropical Storm Julian (international name: Krathon) slightly intensified as it moved over the Philippine Sea, east of Cagayan, on Saturday, Sept. 28.
In the 5 p.m. bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the eye of “Julian” was estimated to be 380 km east of Aparri, Cagayan.
PAGASA said TS Julian was moving west-northwestward at 15 km/h. It also has maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 90 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 was raised in several parts of Luzon, including Batanes, Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands), Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, the eastern portion of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis), the eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista), Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran).
PAGASA also issued a heavy rainfall outlook due to TS Julian.
Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible in any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1, PAGASA said.
PAGASA noted that TCWS No. 4 is the highest wind signal that may be hoisted during the occurrence of “Julian.”
TS Julian is also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts over Aurora, CALABARZON, Romblon, and the Bicol Region on Sept. 29, and in Aurora, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Romblon, and the Bicol Region on Sept. 30.
PAGASA said “Julian” is forecast to move west-southwestward or westward on Sept. 29 until the afternoon. It will then generally move northwestward until Oct. 1 towards the Batanes-Babuyan Islands area, before accelerating north-northeastward over the waters east of Taiwan.
“On the track forecast, a landfall or close approach scenario on Monday through early Tuesday morning over Batanes and/or the Babuyan Islands is highly likely,” PAGASA said.
PAGASA said “Julian” is expected to intensify throughout the forecast period and reach typhoon category by Sept. 30.
“There is a high chance of rapid intensification, and the possibility of reaching super typhoon category is not ruled out,” PAGASA said.
TS Julian, PAGASA added, will be “closest to Batanes and/or the Babuyan Islands at or near peak intensity.” It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Oct. 3.