'Francisco' weakens further but Signal No. 1 still up over Batanes, parts of Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines — Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes and parts of northeastern Cagayan as Typhoon Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) weakened further while moving northward over the Philippine Sea.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin on Wednesday, June 24, state weather bureau PAGASA said Francisco was located 295 kilometers east northeast of Basco, Batanes.

The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph, with a central pressure of 965 hPa.

It was moving northward at 10 kph.

Signal No. 1 remains in effect over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Cagayan, including Gonzaga, Santa Ana and Babuyan Islands.

PAGASA said areas under the wind signal may experience strong winds of 39 to 61 kph within 36 hours, which could pose minimal to minor threats to life and property.

Strong winds, rains. The southwest monsoon and the outer circulation of Francisco may continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts over parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, PAGASA said.

On Wednesday, strong winds may affect most of Luzon, Visayas, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.

The weather bureau said winds may be stronger in coastal and upland areas that are exposed to prevailing winds.

Rough seas. A gale warning remains in effect over the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon.

Very rough seas with waves reaching up to 4.5 meters are expected over the eastern seaboards of Batanes and Babuyan Islands, as well as the northeastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan.

PAGASA warned that sea travel remains risky for all types of vessels in these areas.

Rough seas of up to 3.5 meters are also expected over the remaining seaboards of Batanes and Babuyan Islands, while waves of up to 3 meters may affect the remaining seaboard of mainland Cagayan.

Operators of small seacraft, including motorbancas, were advised to avoid sailing under these conditions.

Track. Francisco is expected to continue moving northward until Thursday, June 25, before turning north-northeastward toward the Ryukyu Islands and the sea south of mainland Japan.

PAGASA said the typhoon may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday evening.

Despite its weakening trend, Francisco is expected to remain a typhoon while inside PAR.

The weather bureau also reminded the public that heavy rains and strong winds may still affect areas outside the forecast track.