MANILA – Typhoon Julian continues to intensify as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 has been raised over Batanes, Babuyan Island, and Calayan Island, with violent winds forecast in these areas, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday (30 Sept 2024) morning.

As of the 5 a.m. advisory, Typhoon Julian was last located over the coastal waters of Balintang Island, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 155 kph and gusts reaching 190 kph. Severe impacts from typhoon-force winds are expected in Batanes and northeastern Babuyan Islands.

Signal No. 3 is in effect for the rest of the Babuyan Islands and parts of mainland Cagayan, particularly Santa Ana, where storm-force winds are likely. Meanwhile, TCWS No. 2 has been raised in mainland Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte, with gale-force winds expected.

Other areas under TCWS No. 1, including parts of Ilocos, Cordillera, and Cagayan Valley regions, will experience strong winds. These winds may also affect Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and parts of Central Luzon in the coming hours.

PAGASA warns of a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges in coastal areas of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and northern mainland Cagayan within the next 48 hours. A gale warning has also been issued for the seaboards of Northern Luzon, making sea travel dangerous.

Typhoon Julian is expected to be at its closest proximity to Batanes and Babuyan Islands by this afternoon, with a possible landfall scenario over Balintang Island.

Class and Work Suspensions

Several local government units (LGUs) in Northern Luzon have suspended classes and government work due to the typhoon. Batanes has canceled both classes and government work until Tuesday. Other areas such as Ilocos Sur, Batac City, Laoag City, La Union, and Cagayan have also announced class suspensions at all levels, while many towns in Pangasinan, Benguet, and Apayao have similarly suspended educational activities.

Stay tuned for further updates as Typhoon Julian continues to affect the northern regions of the country.

ia/mnm