‘Falcon’ stronger, faster—Pagasa

MT Satellite image July 9, 2015, 12:01 p.m. Screengrab from https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/index.php

Typhoon ‘Falcon’ maintained its strength but slightly accelerated midday Thursday, the weather bureau said.

Falcon packed maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 160 kph, Aldczar Aurelio of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in a televised press briefing.

It was moving northwest at 22 kph and was expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility some 620 kilometers north northeast of Itbayat in Batanes.

Aurelio said Falcon would continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, which is bringing moderate to occasionally heavy rain over Luzon and the Visayas, especially over the western section.

Falcon is dumping heavy to intense rain within its 300 kilometer diameter, Aurelio said.

Because of rough seas, fishermen were also advised to avoid the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas.