Falcon intensifies as it accelerates northward over the PH Sea

Severe Tropical Storm FALCON has intensified as it continues to accelerate northward over the Philippine Sea. As of 4:00 PM, the center of the storm was estimated approximately 1,170 km East of Northern Luzon (19.7°N, 132.6°E). It now possesses maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 135 km/h. Additionally, the central pressure has decreased to 975 hPa. FALCON is currently moving at a speed of 20 km/h.
 

Heavy Rainfall Outlook

The Southwest Monsoon, reinforced by Severe Tropical Storm FALCON, will bring occasional to monsoon rains over the western parts of Luzon and Visayas in the next three days. Forecasted rainfall is expected to be higher in elevated or mountainous areas, and under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to such hazards, as indicated in hazard maps and in localities that have experienced considerable amounts of rainfall in recent days.

Severe Winds

The current forecast scenario suggests that the hoisting of any Wind Signal due to FALCON over any locality in the country remains unlikely. However, the enhanced Southwest Monsoon will bring gusty conditions over specific areas, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous regions exposed to winds, on the following days:

• Today: Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Northern Samar, and most of CALABARZON, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.
• Tomorrow: Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Northern Samar, and most of CALABARZON, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.
• Tuesday: Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Bicol Region, and most of CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Western Visayas.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Over the Philippine Sea, FALCON is forecast to continue moving north-northwestward today, then turn northwestward tomorrow. Based on the current track forecast, the tropical storm may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tomorrow evening or on Tuesday early morning. Beyond the PAR region, FALCON will then turn west-northwestward and pass close to the Okinawa Islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago on Tuesday morning before entering the East China Sea.
• FALCON is forecasted to continuously intensify over the next 3 days. It is projected to become a typhoon between late evening today or tomorrow early morning and reach its peak intensity on Tuesday.

Note: The next tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued at 11:00 PM today.