TS "Falcon" intensifies

Tropical Storm "Falcon" (international name: Meari) has slightly intensified as it moves away from the country.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, "Falcon" was estimated to be 410 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes at 10 p.m. Friday evening with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph.

"Falcon" was moving north northwestward at 22kph.

By Saturday morning, "Falcon" is expected to be 590 km North Northeast of Basco, Batanes, or 270 km West Southwest of Okinawa, Japan.

All public storm warning signals have been lowered however, "Falcon" will continue to enhance the southwest monsson and will bring rains over Luzon and Western Visayas.

Monsoon surge is also expected to affect the seaboards of Luzon and Western Visayas. — DBL