Severe Tropical Storm Francisco, with international name Mekkhala, is continuing to intensify and may reach typhoon category in the coming hours, according to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of the latest advisory, the storm has maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts up to 135 kilometers per hour. It was last located about 1,170 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, moving northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour.
PAGASA said Francisco is expected to intensify further as it continues on a west-northwest track across the Philippine Sea.
While the cyclone remains outside the country’s landmass, the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, is being enhanced by the system, bringing cloudy skies, scattered rain, and thunderstorms over large parts of western Luzon and the Visayas.
Affected areas include Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and several provinces in the Visayas, where intermittent heavy rainfall is expected.
Weather officials warned that prolonged rain may trigger flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous areas.
PAGASA urged the public and local government units to continue monitoring official weather advisories, as conditions may change rapidly as the storm intensifies.