Super Typhoon Francisco has gained massive strength while decelerating over the waters east of Northern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its 5 a.m. weather update on June 23.
The center of the storm was tracked approximately 410 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, packing peak sustained winds of 185 km/h and gusts toping 230 km/h.
Moving west-northwest at a slow pace of 10 km/h, the cyclone features a wide wind field, with typhoon-force winds stretching up to 360 kilometers outward from its center.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is currently active over Batanes, the eastern Babuyan Islands (specifically Camiguin, Didicas, and Babuyan), and the northeastern municipalities of Santa Ana and Gonzaga in Cagayan. Residents in these locations are warned of potential minor disruptions from gusty conditions.
While a previous westward trajectory threatened to trigger higher wind signals, Francisco has begun shifting northwestward, decreasing the probability of raised warnings.
Even though the super typhoon is projected to stay well away from the Philippine landmass, its massive circulation continues to pull and intensify the southwest monsoon (habagat).
This weather interaction is bringing strong to gale-force winds across the majority of Luzon and Visayas, as well as several areas in Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.
Furthermore, the weather bureau raised sea travel warnings due to rough waters along the eastern coasts of Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, where waves are surging up to four meters high. Operators of small sea vessels and motor bancas are strongly discouraged from venturing out to sea.
Francisco is expected to decelerate further as it tracks north-northwestward toward southern Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, with a projected exit from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday morning, June 26.
While the storm could maintain its current peak strength or intensify slightly through Tuesday afternoon, meteorologists expect it to enter a steady weakening trend soon after due to less favorable atmospheric conditions.
Local disaster management offices and the general public are advised to remain vigilant and closely follow official updates to protect lives and properties from the combined threats of heavy rainfall, harsh winds, and turbulent seas.