MANILA — Super Typhoon Francisco maintained its powerful status early Tuesday, prompting the continued enforcement of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in parts of Northern Luzon, state weather forecasters reported.
According to PAGASA, the storm is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines and will remain well offshore. However, it continues to influence weather conditions across several areas as it moves north-northwest at a slower pace before curving toward southern Japan’s Ryukyu Islands by midweek.
At 4 a.m., the eye of Francisco was estimated at 410 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan. The cyclone was generating sustained winds of 185 kph near its center, with gustiness reaching 230 kph.
Areas still under TCWS No. 1 include Batanes, Gonzaga and Santa Ana in northeastern Cagayan, and portions of the Babuyan Islands, specifically Babuyan, Didicas, and Camiguin Islands.
PAGASA said the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and the storm’s outer circulation will bring strong to gale-force winds over large portions of Luzon, the Visayas, and selected areas in Mindanao.
Sea travel remains risky in the waters surrounding Batanes, Cagayan, eastern Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and northern Aurora, where rough seas are expected. Fisherfolk and operators of small boats have been urged to avoid venturing offshore.
Heavy rainfall may continue to affect Batanes and Cagayan as the super typhoon moves farther north.
Forecasters added that Francisco may still intensify further before beginning a gradual weakening phase. The cyclone is projected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday morning.
elamigo/xf
