Bagyong Falcon threatens Northern Luzon, Storm Signal issued!

Bagyong Falcon (Tropical Storm Falcon) now "threatens Extreme Northern Luzon", the *PAGASA said.

Bagyong Falcon (Tropical Storm Falcon) Satellite Image as of 11 p.m. on June 22, 2011 | Courtesy of PAGASA

Tropical Storm "Falcon", according to the latest PAGASA bulletin, has maintained its strength and is now moving West Northwestward at 19 kph, threatening North Luzon. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

As of 10:00 p.m. on June 22, "Falcon" is at 290 km East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.

The PAGASA has now issued Public Storm Warning Signal Number 1 (PSWS # 1) over the following areas:

Isabela,
Cagayan,
Calayan Group of Islands,
Babuyan Group of Islands,and
Batanes Group of Islands.

The weather bureau also warns people residing in low lying and mountainous areas under PSWS # 1 of possible flashfloods and landslides. PAGASA also added that the tropical storm is expected to "enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao."

Gale Warning has also been issued by the PAGASA over the eastern seaboard of the country and the western seaboard of Luzon and of Visayas.

Is "Falcon" going to make a landfall? According to this illustration of Falcon's track forecast by the PAGASA, it is unlikely.

Track of Tropical Storm "Falcon" | Courtesy of PAGASA

*Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the Philippines' main weather agency

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