Falcon gains strength as it exits; rotten weather persists

[jwplayer mediaid=”17981″]
.

MANILA, Philippines—Tropical Storm Falcon (international codename: Meari) has left the Philippines but gained strength as it moved north-northwest, the weather bureau said Saturday.

PAGASA-DOST MTSAT-EIR satellite image as of 1 p.m., Saturday

The southwest monsoon, which dumped heavy rains over Metro Manila and parts of Luzon in the last two days, is still expected to bring rains over the metropolis and in Northern and Central Luzon.

The last storm warnings over the northernmost island groups have been lifted. A low pressure area also dissolved with Falcon’s exit.

Fairer skies are expected Sunday, said Graciano Yumul, science undersecretary supervising the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Yumul said Falcon was northward at 24 kilometers per hour, with center winds of 105 kph and gusting up to 135 kph, much stronger than while it was in the Philippine area of responsibility.

Pagasa issued flashflood and landslide warnings for residents in the following provinces: Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Mountain Province; Abra; Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.