MANILA — Weather authorities are monitoring Tropical Storm Higos, which is projected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday and receive the local name Gardo.
In its latest bulletin, PAGASA reported that Higos was situated around 2,120 kilometers east of Central Luzon as of Wednesday morning. The storm was moving west-northwest at 20 kph, with peak winds of 65 kph and gusts reaching 80 kph.
Forecasters said the cyclone is likely to remain far from Philippine land areas and is not expected to have a direct impact on local weather or marine conditions. Nonetheless, further strengthening remains possible.
At the same time, Typhoon Francisco continued to lose strength as it tracked northward near Batanes. The weather disturbance was carrying maximum sustained winds of 140 kph and gusts of up to 170 kph.
Wind Signal No. 1 remains raised over Batanes and parts of northeastern Cagayan, including Gonzaga, Santa Ana, and the Babuyan Islands, where residents may experience strong winds.
Francisco’s circulation, together with the southwest monsoon, is producing gusty conditions across large portions of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as selected areas in Mindanao.
PAGASA warned of heavy rainfall over Batanes and Cagayan due to the typhoon, while monsoon rains are expected to affect Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Antique.
The agency also advised mariners and coastal communities to remain alert as gale-force conditions continue over the northern and eastern coastal waters of Northern Luzon.
elamigo/xf
