Falcon seen to intensify into tropical storm within 24 hours

Three areas remained under Signal No. 1 on Tuesday noon as Tropical Depression Falcon continues to move westward over the Philippine Sea, according to PAGASA's latest update.

The bureau, in its 11 a.m. advisory, also said Falcon may intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours.

"Furthermore, this weather disturbance is expected to closely approach or make landfall over Babuyan-Batanes Islands area tomorrow evening and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday (19 July)," it said.

As of Tuesday noon, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #1 remained hoisted over Northern Isabela, Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands) and Batanes.

Falcon was located at 510 km east of Tuguegarao City packing maximum winds of up to 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. It is moving west at 30 km/h.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains are expected over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan (including Calamian and Cuyo Islands), Panay Island, and Guimaras until Wednesday morning.

PAGASA said residents in these areas, especially those living in areas identified to be at risk of flooding and landslides, are advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates.

Meanwhile, fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts have been advised not to venture out over the seaboards of areas under TCWS #1, as well as the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The weather bureau also advised the public to monitor thunderstorm advisories and heavy rainfall warnings from PAGASA regional offices. — with Margaret Claire Layug/KBK/RSJ, GMA News