Typhoon Francisco: Batanes, parts of Cagayan under Signal No. 1

MANILA, Philippines — Batanes and parts of Cagayan were placed under Signal No. 1 on Monday morning, June 22, as Typhoon Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) continued to intensify east of Northern Luzon and began enhancing the southwest monsoon, the state weather bureau said.

In PAGASA's early morning advisory Monday, June 22, the areas under Signal No. 1 are Batanes, the northeastern portion of Cagayan, specifically Gonzaga and Santa Ana, and the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, including Babuyan, Didicas and Camiguin islands.

PAGASA said these areas face strong winds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour within 36 hours, with minimal to minor threat to life and property.

Francisco was last located 715 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan as of 4 a.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gusts of up to 170 kph.

The typhoon was moving west-northwest at 30 kph, with strong to typhoon-force winds extending up to 420 kilometers from its center.

Habagat rains

PAGASA said Francisco is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat.

Under its 5 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said Batanes and Cagayan may experience 50 to 100 millimeters of rain on Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24.

The weather bureau warned that rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas. Impacts may also be worse in areas that have already received significant rainfall.

Local disaster risk reduction and management offices were advised to take necessary measures to protect life and property.

Monsoon gusts

Aside from areas under Signal No. 1, the southwest monsoon may bring strong to gale-force gusts to several parts of the country, especially coastal and upland areas exposed to winds.

On Monday, these gusts may affect La Union, Pangasinan, Calabarzon, Romblon, Masbate, most of the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.

By Tuesday, strong to gale-force gusts may affect most of Luzon, the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.

By Wednesday, these conditions may be felt in most of Luzon, the Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.

PAGASA said local winds may be stronger in coastal and mountainous areas exposed to winds, while areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction may experience weaker winds.