Signal No. 1 up in six areas due to Typhoon Mekkhala

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 has been raised in six areas of the country due to Typhoon Mekkhala, locally called Francisco, bringing life-threatening winds and heavy rains over affected areas, according to the state weather bureau on Monday.

The storm signal is in effect over Batanes; Gonzaga and Santa Ana in Cagayan, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a press conference.

The eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, including Babuyan, Didicas, and Camiguin islands, is also under Signal No. 1 due to Mekkhala.

Under this wind signal, strong winds are expected within the next 36 hours, posing a minimal to minor threat to life and property, PAGASA said in its 11:00 a.m. advisory.

Meanwhile, a yellow rainfall warning was raised over Batanes and Cagayan, indicating heavy rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters is expected within the next 24 hours and until Thursday noon.

“It is likely from tomorrow noon until Wednesday night that significant rains will be experienced,” PAGASA weather specialist Charmagne Varilla said during the press conference.

Ms. Varilla warned that under a yellow rainfall warning, localized flooding is likely in urbanized and flood-prone areas. Landslides are also possible in susceptible areas.

As of 11:00 a.m., Typhoon Mekkhala has maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 190 kph.

It was last located 620 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, moving west-northwestward at 15 kph. — Edg Adrian A. Eva