Typhoon Julian, also known as Krathon, passed near Sabtang Island in the northern Philippines while maintaining its strength on Monday morning, September 30. As of 10 a.m., the typhoon was in waters near the island, moving still- north-northwest at a slow speed of 10 kilometers per hour.
The typhoon is expected to pass through the Bashi Channel, which is between the Philippines and Taiwan, for the rest of the day. As of now, Typhoon Julian has maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 240 km/h, up from 215 km/h.
In a briefing at around 11 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Julian could strengthen into a super typhoon on Monday afternoon or evening. A super typhoon is considered to have maximum sustained winds of at least 185 km/h.
Due to the possibility of increased strength, PAGASA may raise Signal No. 5—the highest warning level—especially in the northernmost part of Luzon. As of 11 a.m., the following signals are active:
- Signal No. 4: Typhoon winds (118-184 km/h) pose a great threat to life and property.
Affected areas: Batanes and the northern part of the Babuyan Islands. - Signal No. 3: Hurricane winds (89-117 km/h) carry a moderate to severe threat.
Affected areas: Remaining part of Babuyan Islands and northeastern part of Cagayan (Santa Ana). - Signal No. 2: Winds (62-88 km/h) carry a small to moderate threat.
Affected areas: Remaining parts of Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, and some parts of Ilocos Sur. - Signal No. 1: Ang malakas na hangin (39-61 km/h) ay nag-iindika ng minimal hanggang maliit na banta.
Mga apektadong lugar: Iba't ibang lalawigan kasama na ang Ilocos Sur, La Union, at iba pa.
PAGASA noted na ang mga lugar na nasa ilalim ng Signal No. 4 ay makakaranas ng pinakamatinding hangin mula umaga hanggang hapon ng Lunes. Nagbabala ang ahensya na ang mga pattern ng hangin ay maaaring magdulot ng malalakas na bugso sa ilang rehiyon, kabilang ang:
- Lunes, Setyembre 30: Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Romblon, at Bicol.
- Wednesday, October 2: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Sur.
- Miyerkules, Oktubre 2: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, at Ilocos Sur.
Also due to Julian's effect, it brings moderate to heavy rains in Northern and Central Luzon, with a high risk of flooding and landslides. Rain warnings include:
- Monday noon, September 30, to Tuesday noon, October 1:
- Intense to torrential rains (more than 200 mm) expected in Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
- Heavy to intense rainfall (100-200 mm) in mainland Cagayan and other provinces.
- Tuesday noon, October 1, to Wednesday noon, October 2:
- Heavy to intense rainfall (100-200 mm) in Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
- Wednesday noon, October 2, to Thursday noon, October 3:
- Moderate to heavy rainfall (50-100 mm) in Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Other areas in Northern Luzon may also experience rain and strong winds due to Julian's influence. The extension of the typhoon may cause scattered rains and thunderstorms in Metro Manila and various provinces in Central Luzon.
Coasts, especially in Batanes and Babuyan Islands, face moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges in the next 48 hours. Sea conditions are hazardous, with high waves and rough seas expected along some coasts, posing a risk to all types of vessels.
Julian is expected to begin curving north on Tuesday, October 1, and may hit Taiwan's southwestern coast on Wednesday, October 2. The storm is expected to weaken as it interacts with Taiwan's forested territory.
Julian is the Philippines' 10th tropical cyclone for the year 2024 and the sixth for September. Meanwhile, another tropical storm being monitored, Jebi, is not expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
