MANILA, Philippines (Updated; First published 9:11 a.m.) — Typhoon Rosal, the most powerful cyclone this year, has stepped out of the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning, October 24.
No tropical cyclone wind signals remain in effect but strong winds and dangerous seas may still affect parts of the country, PAGASA said in an advisory.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau said Rosal was 525 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, outside PAR.
The typhoon had weakened further, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 150 kph.
It was moving east-northeastward at 20 kph toward the East China Sea.
Earlier Saturday, Rosal had maximum sustained winds of 150 kph and was moving southwestward after making a counterclockwise loop over the sea east of Taiwan.
Strong gusts may persist
Despite Rosal's exit from PAR, its periphery may continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts Saturday over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, northern Quezon, Polillo Islands, the Bicol Region, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
Strong to gale-force gusts may also affect Batanes, the Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte on Sunday.
PAGASA said local winds may be stronger in coastal, upland and mountainous areas exposed to the prevailing winds.
Dangerous seas over Northern Luzon
The cyclone may be gone, but its expansive wingspan has lingering effects. A gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon.
Very rough seas with waves reaching as high as 5.5 meters are forecast along the northern seaboard of Batanes, while waves may reach 4.5 meters along the northern seaboard of the Babuyan Islands.
PAGASA said sea travel is risky for vessels of all types and tonnage in these areas. Mariners were advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside.
Rough seas are also forecast over several coastal waters of Northern Luzon.
Waves may reach 4 meters over the remaining seaboards of the Babuyan Islands, the northeastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan and the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte.
Waves of up to 3.5 meters are forecast over the remaining seaboard of Ilocos Norte and the seaboard of Ilocos Sur.
Up to 3-meter waves may affect the remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan, the western seaboard of Pangasinan, the seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora, and the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes.
Mariners of small vessels, including motorbancas, were advised not to venture out under these conditions.