Tropical Depression Julian is barely moving in the Philippine Sea, according to PAGASA's latest report this Friday, September 27. As of 10 am, the typhoon is still located 525 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes, and there has been no major movement since yesterday morning
Julian has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gusts of up to 70 km/h, based on PAGASA's 11 am bulletin. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next few days, and possibly become a tropical storm by Friday night or Saturday morning. On Sunday, it may strengthen as a severe tropical storm and eventually become a typhoon.
Although not expected to make landfall, Julian is likely to follow a circular path east of Batanes and Cagayan during the next five days, bringing heavy rains and winds to Northern Luzon.
Here is the updated rainfall forecast due to Julian:
Friday noon, Sept. 27 to noon Saturday, Sept. 28:
- Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm) in Cagayan
Saturday noon, Sept. 28 to noon Sunday, Sept. 29:
- Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm) in Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Apayao, Ilocos Norte
Sunday noon, Sept. 29 to noon Monday, Sept. 30:
- Heavy to heavy rain (100-200 mm) in Cagayan, Batanes, Apayao, Ilocos Norte
- Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm) in Isabela, rest of Cordillera Administrative Region, and Ilocos Region
Flooding and landslides are still a threat in these areas.
Due to Julian's strong winds, PAGASA may raise Signal No. 1 in some parts of Cagayan Valley, and may even issue Signal No. 2 or 3. Strong winds may be felt in regions such as Aurora, Quezon, and some parts of Luzon on Saturday and Sunday.
Although the southwest monsoon is subsiding, PAGASA still warns that Julian may cause localized heavy rains, especially in Northern Luzon.
PAGASA advises the public to continue to follow their bulletins and advisories. Small boats are also advised to avoid rough seas around Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Cagayan, where waves may reach 3 meters high.
Julian is the Philippines' 10th tropical cyclone this 2024 and the sixth for the month of September.
