Weather disturbance outside PAR now a tropical storm

The weather disturbance outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) intensified into a tropical storm on Friday evening, according to PAGASA.

As of 10 p.m., the tropical storm was located 1,675 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon and was moving west northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 80 km/h.

The tropical cyclone will be given the local name Francisco once it enters PAR, which is expected between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

"A landfall scenario is less likely at this time," PAGASA said in its 11 p.m. advisory on Friday.

However, the state weather bureau said the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon remains possible.

"This tropical cyclone is less likely to directly affect the weather and sea conditions in the country in the next three days," PAGASA said. — VBL, GMA News