Francisco weakens to Severe Tropical Storm; Signal No. 1 raised over Batanes

Francisco weakens into Severe Tropical Storm as it accelerates and moves in the north northeast direction as Signal No. 1 is raised over Batanes, according to the Tropical Storm Bulletin posted by PAGASA early Thursday morning.

The center of Severe Tropical Storm Francisco was estimated at 415 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 125 km/h, central pressure of 985 hPa.

Francisco is moving north northeastward at 985 km/h with strong to storm-force winds extend outwards up to 400 km from the center.

Heavy Rainfall Outlook

Heavy rainfall outlook due to Southwest Monsoon with 50-100 mm over Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

PAGASA said forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas and impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall.

Severe Winds

The southwest monsoon (Habagat) and the periphery of Francisco will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds): Most of Luzon, Panay Island, Negros Occidental, and Northern Samar.

Hazards affecting coastal waters

Mariners are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels.

Track and Intensity Oulook

Severe Tropical Storm Francisco will continue moving generally northeastward towards the Ryukyu Islands and sea south of mainland Japan throughout the forecast period and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday afternoon or evening.

Francisco is forecast to gradually weaken and will be downgraded to tropical storm by Friday, June 26, 2026. — BAP, GMA News