'Francisco' weakens further; wind signal over Batanes lifted

MANILA, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) weakened further on Thursday as it moved away from the country, prompting the lifting of all Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 warnings, including Batanes, the state weather bureau said.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Francisco was last located 510 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

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It was carrying a maximum wind speed of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 115 kph. It was moving north-northwestward at 20 kph, and was forecast to continue moving generally northeastward towards the Ryukyu Islands and sea south of mainland Japan.

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READ: Francisco weakens into severe tropical storm; rain showers expected

“Severe tropical storm Francisco may exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday noon or afternoon and its effects will lessen over any parts of the country,” weather specialist John Manalo said in a separate 11 a.m. forecast.

Manalo also said that Francisco will only bring cloudy skies over Extreme Northern Luzon that may enhance rainshowers over Babuyan Islands and Batanes.

Meanwhile, he said that the southwest monsoon or habagat and the periphery of Francisco will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas:

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Thursday (June 25): Most of Luzon, Panay Island, Negros Occidental, and Northern Samar

Friday (June 26): Most of Luzon, Panay Island, Negros Occidental, and Northern Samar

Saturday (June 27): Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Lubang Island

READ: Western Visayas braces for rains, rough seas over next 5 days

Tropical storm outside PAR

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Meanwhile, tropical storm Higos is forecast to enter PAR on Thursday afternoon or evening and will be given the local name “Gardo.”

Pagasa said the cyclone is not expected to directly affect the country but may draw moisture that could increase cloudiness over parts of western Philippines.

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As of 10 a.m., Higos was located 1,595 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph and gustiness of up to 90 kph./dp