Falcon maintains its strength as it moves north northwestward

Typhoon FALCON has maintained its strength as it continues to move north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea. As of 10:00 AM, the center of the typhoon’s eye was estimated approximately 1,045 km East of Extreme Northern Luzon (22.2°N, 131.8°E). It has maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 185 km/h. Additionally, the central pressure is recorded at 950 hPa. FALCON is currently moving at a speed of 15 km/h.

Heavy Rainfall Outlook

The Southwest Monsoon, enhanced by Typhoon FALCON, will bring occasional to monsoon rains over the western portion 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, the central and southern portions of Aurora, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, and most of Ilocos Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.
• Tomorrow: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, the central and southern portions of Aurora, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, and most of Ilocos Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.
• Wednesday: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, the western portion of Northern Samar, and most of Western Visayas.

Track and intensity outlook

• Over the Philippine Sea, FALCON is forecast to slightly accelerate north-northwestward or northwestward in the next 24 hours, then turn west-northwestward tomorrow afternoon. Based on the current track forecast, the typhoon may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow evening. Beyond the PAR region, FALCON will then turn west-northwestward and pass close (landfall not ruled out) over Okinawa Islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago between tomorrow evening and Wednesday morning while gradually decelerating.
• FALCON is forecasted to further intensify over the next 1 or 2 days and may reach its peak intensity tomorrow or on Wednesday.

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