MANILA – Tropical Storm Julian has intensified into a severe tropical storm, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Sunday (Sept 29 2024) morning.
Julian was last tracked 305 km east of Aparri, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph, according to PAGASA’s 5 a.m. bulletin.
The storm is moving west-northwestward at 10 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been raised in the northeastern portion of Mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana) and the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Camiguin and Babuyan Islands). TCWS No. 1 is in effect over parts of Batanes, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, and areas in northern Luzon, including Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Aurora.
PAGASA warned that the storm could further intensify into a typhoon by Sunday evening or early Monday, with the potential to reach Signal No. 4. A “high chance of rapid intensification” could even elevate it to super typhoon status.
Landfall over Batanes or the Babuyan Islands is “highly likely” by Monday.
ia/mnm
