Rosal weakens into typhoon

MANILA, Philippines , Philippines —  Tropical cyclone Rosal has been downgraded to a typhoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Rosal (Champi) was packing winds of 165 kilometers per hour with gusts of 205 kph.

Rosal was last located 360 kms east of Itbayat, Batanes while moving northwestward at 15 kph.

While Rosal’s scope is still wide, PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo said it will not gravely affect the country’s weather conditions.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 2 is raised in Batanes and the northeastern portion of Babuyan Islands.

Wind signal No. 1 is up in the rest of Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, the northeastern portion of Isabela, Ilocos Norte and Apayao.