Francisco weakens into severe tropical storm

MANILA, June 25 ------ Tropical cyclone Francisco (Mekkhala) weakened into a severe tropical storm, the weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Francisco is packing maximum sustained winds of 100 km. per hour near the center and gusts of up to 125 kph. Francisco was located 415 km. northeast of Itbayat, Batanes as of 4 a.m., moving north northeast at 15 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is still hoisted in Batanes. Francisco's periphery and the southwest monsoon (habagat) will cause strong to gale-force gusts across Panay Island, Negros Occidental, Northern Samar and most of Luzon.

The habagat will also cause heavy rains across the provinces of Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro. Rough seas may be experienced across the northern and eastern seaboards of Batanes. Mariners of small seacraft, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture to the sea. PAGASA said Francisco is forecast to gradually weaken and could be downgraded to a tropical storm by Friday.

Source: pna.gov.ph