Francisco likely to strengthen into super typhoon in next 12 hours

MANILA – Typhoon Francisco (international name Mekkhala) is forecast to reach the super typhoon category in the next 12 hours, the weather bureau said in its 5 p.m. bulletin on Monday.

Francisco further intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 215 kph.

READ: Pagasa: Severe Tropical Storm Francisco nearing typhoon strength

It was last located 625 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, moving west northwestward at 20 kph.

Signal No. 1 is hoisted in Batanes, northeastern portion of Cagayan (Gonzaga, Santa Ana) including the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island, Didicas Island, Camiguin Island).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the highest wind signal that will likely be hoisted throughout the cyclone’ passage is Signal No. 2

The periphery of Francisco and the southwest monsoon (habagat) have been causing strong to gale-force gusts in most of Luzon and the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.

Francisco and the habagat are also causing heavy rains across Batanes and Cagayan.

READ: Francisco now a typhoon — Pagasa

PAGASA added that rough seas could prevail over the seaboards of Batanes, Babuyan Islands and mainland Cagayan, and the eastern seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora.

Mariners of small seacraft, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture to the sea.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Francisco is forecast to weaken starting Wednesday.

It is also forecast to remain far from the landmass, PAGASA said. (PNA)

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