Pagasa: Signal No. 1 up over 3 provinces as ‘Falcon’ nears

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 has been raised over northern Isabela, Cagayan and Batanes in anticipation of the effects of Tropical Depression Falcon, the state weather bureau said Tuesday.

“Falcon” may intensify into a tropical storm as it approaches extreme Northern Luzon by Wednesday afternoon or evening, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Owners and crew of small vessels are advised against sailing in the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon and Northern Samar will experience light to moderate with occasional heavy monsoon rains.

The combined effects of “Falcon” and the southwest monsoon will bring moderate to heavy rains to the Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Zambales, Bataan and Mindoro provinces on Wednesday.

Light to moderate with occasional heavy monsoon rains will prevail over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Western Visayas and the rest of Central Luzon and Mimaropa.

Residents in flood and landslide-prone areas are advised to take precautionary measures.

“Falcon” was last spotted 690 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 65 kph.

It was moving at a speed of 30 kph. /gsg