Typhoon Francisco rapidly intensifies over Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Francisco(international name: Mekkhala) rapidly intensified while moving west-northwest over the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said Monday morning.

Based on its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Francisco was last spotted 620 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, moving west-northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph).

The typhoon is now packing a maximum sustained wind speed of 155 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph.

Signal No. 1 is currently in effect over the following areas:

• Batanes
• Northeastern portion of Cagayan (Gonzaga, Santa Ana) 
• Eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Is., Didicas Is., Camiguin Is.,)

READ: Signal No. 1 in 3 areas as Typhoon Francisco intensifies

“Francisco will further intensify and may reach its peak intensity by tomorrow. Thereafter, a weakening trend is expected,” Pagasa said, noting that the potential for the typhoon to reach Super Typhoon category is not being ruled out.

Francisco is expected to move generally northwestward until Tuesday, June 23, before recurving north-northeastward towards the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan. 

The typhoon is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday, June 26. /gsg