Julian gets stronger over Cagayan; it may become a super typhoon

(Photo courtesy of Pagasa)

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Julian has further intensified and is nearing the super typhoon category, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Monday.

In its 8 a.m. cyclone update, Pagasa said Julian was last spotted over the coastal waters of Balintang Island in Calayan, Cagayan.

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It is moving west-northwestward at 10 kilometers per hour (kph), packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gusts of up to 215 kph.

“Julian will continue intensifying and may reach the super typhoon category tomorrow,” said Pagasa’s forecast.

“Interaction with the rugged terrain of Taiwan will trigger a weakening trend prior to landfall, although Julian is forecast to remain as a typhoon until it exits the Philippine area of Responsibility,” it noted.

Julian is forecast “to generally move west-northwestward over the Balintang Channel today and pass very close to Balintang Island and Batanes. A landfall scenario over these areas remains likely,” said the weather bureau.

The following areas remain under wind signals:

Signal No. 4

Signal No. 3

Signal No. 2

Signal No. 1

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