Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over parts of Northern Luzon as Typhoon Francisco rapidly intensified while moving west-northwest over the Philippine Sea, Pagasa said Monday.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, Pagasa located the typhoon 620 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
Francisco was packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kilometers per hour.
Areas under Signal No. 1 included Batanes, the northeastern part of Cagayan, including Gonzaga and Santa Ana, and the eastern section of the Babuyan Islands, including Babuyan Island, Didicas Island, and Camiguin Island.
Pagasa said minimal to minor wind impacts may be felt in areas placed under the wind signal.
The typhoon’s outer circulation and the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, were also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts over parts of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao from Monday to Wednesday.
Pagasa said heavy rain and severe winds may still affect areas outside Francisco’s forecast cone.
Francisco was forecast to strengthen further and could reach peak intensity by Tuesday before leaving the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday, June 26.