Severe Tropical Storm Francisco intensifies, threatens rains in Bicol, Eastern Visayas

Severe Tropical Storm Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) slightly intensified early Sunday as it moved west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, while its trough continued to bring rains over parts of the country, the state weather bureau said on Sunday.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Francisco was estimated at 1,315 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 125 km/h.

The storm was moving west-northwest at 25 km/h.

From its center, strong to storm-force winds are extending outwards up to 420 km.

No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals were raised Sunday, but PAGASA said TCWS No. 1 may be hoisted in some parts of Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, and Batanes by Monday morning.

The weather bureau said Francisco is "less likely to directly affect the weather conditions in the country today."

PAGASA however said the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas may experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the trough of Francisco, with possible flash floods or landslides caused by moderate to at times heavy rains.

Mindanao, the rest of Visayas, and Palawan will also have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, which may also trigger flash floods or landslides.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms, with risks of flash floods or landslides during severe weather, PAGASA said.

The eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental; the eastern and southern seaboards of Davao Occidental will have waves of up to 2.0 meters, it added.

"Mariners of motorbancas and similarly sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions," PAGASA said.

PAGASA said Francisco remains far from the Philippine landmass, but it continues to monitor the storm’s movement and intensity.

Francisco may intenstify and reach typhoon category on Sunday, the weather bureau said.

Sunrise is expected at 5:28 a.m., while sunset is at 6:28 p.m. —MCG/KG, GMA News