Tropical Depression Falcon is expected to escalate into a tropical storm within 24 hours although it is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday.
Benison Estareja, weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said Tuesday that strong rains are expected in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, areas of Western Visayas, Panay Island, and MIMAROPA, including the province of Palawan.
“Possible pa rin within 24 hours or by tomorrow morning ay tropical storm na. Close approach o landfall ‘yong inaasahan dahil sa sobrang liit ng mga isla sa Batanes at Babuyan so possible lang na magkaroon ng close approach o maaaring tumawid ang sentro niya,” Estareja said.
Aside from Falcon, the southwest monsoon or habagat is affecting the large portion of Luzon, Visayas, and western Mindanao.
In the next three days, Falcon is expected to stay inside the country’s area of responsibility.
Moderate to heavy rains may be experienced in the province because of the existence of the tropical depression until tomorrow morning.
As of 10:00 a.m., Falcon is located at 510 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
It has maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 70 kph.
The tropical depression Falcon is moving westward at 30 kph.
