MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has placed several areas in Northern Luzon under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as Typhoon Francisco (international name Mekkhala) continues to intensify.
In its 5 a.m. advisory Monday, PAGASA said the affected areas include Batanes, parts of northeastern Cagayan such as Gonzaga and Santa Ana, as well as the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands including Babuyan Island, Didicas Island, and Camiguin Island.
The typhoon was last monitored 715 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City at 4 a.m., moving west-northwestward at 30 kph. It packs maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gusts reaching up to 170 kph.
Aside from the cyclone, the southwest monsoon (habagat) is also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts across large portions of Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao, including CALABARZON, Romblon, Masbate, Zamboanga Peninsula, and several provinces in Northern Mindanao and Davao Region.
Rough sea conditions are expected along the eastern seaboards of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, and the Babuyan Islands, prompting authorities to advise small vessels and motor bancas to stay in port.
Both the typhoon and habagat are forecast to bring heavy rainfall over Batanes and Cagayan. PAGASA also said Francisco may further intensify and could reach peak strength by Tuesday. It may remain over the Philippine Sea, although a slight westward shift could bring it closer to extreme Northern Luzon.
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