The Philippine state weather bureau, Pagasa, has placed three areas in Northern Luzon under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 as Typhoon Francisco, internationally named Mekkhala, intensifies. As of Monday morning, the typhoon carries maximum sustained winds of 140 kph and is moving west-northwest at 30 kph, located 715 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City.
Where is the storm currently affecting?
Pagasa’s 5 a.m. bulletin confirms that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is in effect for Batanes, the northeastern portion of Cagayan—specifically Gonzaga and Santa Ana—and the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands, including Babuyan, Didicas, and Camiguin islands. Residents in these areas should prepare for potential wind impacts as the storm tracks toward the region.
What is the expected path of Typhoon Francisco?
The typhoon is forecast to continue its west-northwest trajectory through Tuesday. According to Pagasa, the system is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea for the duration of the forecast period. However, officials noted that a westward shift in the track could bring the storm closer to extreme Northern Luzon than currently projected. The storm is expected to decelerate after Tuesday before beginning a recurvature process that will eventually lead it out of the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday, June 26.
How will the storm evolve?
Meteorologists expect further intensification of the system as it moves across the Philippine Sea. Pagasa projects the typhoon may reach its peak intensity by Tuesday. While the current track keeps the center of the storm offshore, the potential for a closer approach remains a critical factor for emergency management in Northern Luzon. The combination of sustained winds at 140 kph and gusts reaching 170 kph makes the storm’s potential peak intensity a significant concern for coastal regions in the path of the cyclone.
