Typhoon Francisco intensifies; Signal No. 1 raised over parts of northern PH

Some areas in the country were placed under Wind Signal No. 1 as Typhoon Francisco rapidly intensified while moving west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said Monday.

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the center of the typhoon’s eye was estimated at 620 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 155 kph and gusts of up to 190 kph.

Areas under Wind Signal No. 1 are:

• Batanes
• The northeastern portion of Cagayan, including Gonzaga and Santa Ana
• The eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, including Babuyan Island, Didicas Island, and Camiguin Island

PAGASA said minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible in areas under Wind Signal No. 1.

The typhoon’s periphery and the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, are also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts over several parts of the country.

For Monday, these include La Union, Pangasinan, CALABARZON, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, most of the Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

On Tuesday, strong to gale-force gusts are forecast over most of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

By Wednesday, these gusty conditions are expected to persist over most of Luzon and the Visayas, along with Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

PAGASA noted that heavy rainfall and severe winds may still be experienced in areas outside the forecast confidence cone.

Typhoon Francisco is expected to intensify further and may reach its peak strength by Tuesday before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, June 26.—MCG, GMA News