Pagasa says that Falcon was last seen 1,190 kilometers (km) east of northern Luzon, moving at 15 kilometers per hour (kph) and with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph and gusts of up to 115 kph. (Photo courtesy of Pagasa)
MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Storm Falcon (international name: Khanun) has strengthened into a severe tropical storm as it moves north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, the state weather office said Sunday.
In its 5 am weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Falcon was last seen 1,190 kilometers (km) east of northern Luzon, moving at 15 kilometers per hour. (kph) and with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph and gusts of up to 115 km/h.
According to Pagasa, Falcon has improved the southwest monsoon or “habagat”, which will bring occasional monsoon showers over the western parts of Luzon and Visayas in the next three days.
The state weather office added that it is unlikely to pick up a wind signal anywhere in the country, but Falcon can bring gusts in Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Northern Samar and most. . from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Bicol Region and Western Visayas on Sunday.
“Falcon is forecast to move toward the north-northwest today, then turn toward the northwest tomorrow. Based on the forecast track, the tropical storm could move out of the Philippine area of responsibility by tomorrow night or early Tuesday morning.
It is expected to intensify within the next three days steadily and may become a typhoon tonight or early tomorrow morning and peak on Tuesday.
