Photo credit: DOST-PAGASA

Severe Tropical Storm Francisco is rapidly intensifying over the Philippine Sea and is expected to reach typhoon category as early as Sunday, prompting state weather forecasters to warn of heavy rains and strong winds that could affect several parts of the country in the coming days.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin on Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the center of Francisco was located about 1,170 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon. The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 135 kph while moving northwestward at 25 kph.

Although no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal has been raised so far, PAGASA said Francisco is expected to continue strengthening and could become a typhoon later in the day. The weather disturbance is forecast to reach its peak intensity between Monday and Tuesday before gradually weakening.

Forecasters said Francisco is likely to remain over the Philippine Sea throughout the forecast period, but a westward shift in its track could bring it closer to Extreme Northern Luzon. As a result, Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over parts of Cagayan, the Babuyan Islands and Batanes by Monday morning.

Even without making landfall, the storm is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon or "habagat," bringing widespread rains and strong winds over large parts of Luzon and the Visayas beginning Monday.

PAGASA said heavy rainfall could affect Northern Luzon and portions of western Luzon and the Visayas, prompting the possible issuance of weather advisories. Areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides have been advised to closely monitor updates and heed instructions from local authorities.

Strong to gale-force winds associated with the enhanced southwest monsoon are also expected to affect several provinces. On Monday, gusty conditions are forecast over Romblon, most of the Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and parts of Davao. By Tuesday, the area affected by strong winds will expand to include Batanes, Babuyan Islands, northern Cagayan, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, much of Southern Luzon and additional areas in Mindanao.

Maritime conditions are likewise expected to deteriorate. Moderate seas of up to 2.5 meters are forecast along the eastern coasts of Catanduanes and Davao Oriental, while waves reaching two meters could affect several eastern seaboards in Luzon and Mindanao. PAGASA advised operators of small boats and motor bancas to exercise caution and avoid sea travel when possible.

Francisco is the sixth tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year and comes as the country enters the peak of the rainy season, when tropical cyclones typically become more frequent. Historical data from PAGASA show that June marks the beginning of increased cyclone activity, with an average of one to three tropical cyclones entering the country during the month.

Disaster risk reduction officials and local governments have been urged to take precautionary measures to protect lives and property, especially in areas highly susceptible to flooding, landslides and strong winds.

PAGASA said residents should continue monitoring official weather bulletins and advisories as the track and intensity of Francisco may still change over the next few days. The agency is scheduled to issue its next tropical cyclone bulletin at 5 p.m. Sunday.