Francisco intensifies into super typhoon

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Francisco (international name Mekkhala) has intensified into a super typhoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 p.m. bulletin on Monday.

The weather bureau said the center of the eye of Super Typhoon Francisco was located 440 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan or 450 kms east of Aparri, Cagayan.

READ: EXPLAINER: How Pagasa names typhoons — and why some names are retired

It is moving west northwestward at 15 kph with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 is in effect over Batanes, the northeastern portion of Cagayan (Gonzaga, Santa Ana) including the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Is., Didicas Is., Camiguin Is.)

READ: Francisco may intensify into a super typhoon within 12 hours — Pagasa

PAGASA said minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1.

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

“Mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels,” PAGASA said.

Francisco is forecast to gradually decelerate while moving generally northwestward until Tuesday before recurving towards the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan.

On the track forecast, the super typhoon will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday. (PNA)

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