Tropical Storm Falcon (KHANUN) is Gaining Strength and Moving Northward in the Philippine Sea

According to the most recent data, Tropical Storm Falcon (KHANUN) has strengthened and is currently moving north over the Philippine Sea. the latest estimates, the storm's eye was situated at coordinates 16.4 latitude and 133.4 longitudes, or roughly 1,205 kilometers east of Central Luzon.

Photo: PAGASA-DOST

The strength of Falcon has been measured with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h in its core, along with gusts as high as 90 km/h. The storm is anticipated to continue moving northward, according to the prediction.

The following are the expected locations of Tropical Storm Falcon over the next few days:

At 2:00 AM on July 30, 2023: 1,225 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.

Approximately 1,090 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon by July 30, 2023, at 2:00 PM.

Approximately 970 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon by July 31, 2023, at 2:00 AM.

By 2:00 PM on July 31, 2023: 875 km to the east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon.

By August 1, 2023, 2:00 AM: 815 kilometers (OUTSIDE PAR) northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon.

By 2:00 PM on August 1, 2023: 725 kilometers to the north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR).

By 2:00 PM on August 2, 2023: 795 kilometers (OUTSIDE PAR) north of Itbayat, Batanes.

Land Areas at Risk from Severe Winds and Heavy Rain

Falcon, a tropical storm, could pose risks to several land locations because of its heavy rain and windy circumstances. In the coming three days, the southwest monsoon, which is currently exacerbated by Falcon, is predicted to bring sporadic monsoon showers to the western parts of Luzon and Visayas.

Mountains or areas that are elevated are expected to get heavier rainfall volumes considering the forecast. Therefore, there is a large chance of floods and rain-induced landslides, especially in places that have been recognized as highly or very highly susceptible to these risks as well as locations that have already experienced a large quantity of rainfall recently.

According to the current forecast scenario, there is still a low probability of the Wind Signal hoisting, but the intensified Southwest Monsoon is predicted to bring windy conditions to some places. Wind-exposed coastal and upland/mountainous locations are more vulnerable. Today and tomorrow may see gusty conditions in the aforementioned locations, as well as in Zambales, Bataan, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, CALABARZON, the Bicol Region, and Western Visayas; further areas will be affected on Monday.

Cautionary Measures for Coastal Waters

A Gale Warning is in place for a number of locations along the western shoreline of Luzon, the eastern and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon, and the eastern and western seaboards of Visayas due to the intensified Southwest Monsoon's influence on coastal seas. Small seacrafts are therefore dangerous for sea travel, and larger ships operating in gales need experienced crews and well-equipped ships. It is advisable that inexperienced or poorly equipped navigators stay in port or look for a safe harbor.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Tropical Storm Falcon is predicted to retain a general north-northwestward motion for the following 36 hours before changing its course to the northwest on Monday, according to the most recent track projection. For the duration of the forecast, the storm is expected to hang out over the Philippine Sea, far from the Philippine landmass. It could then leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Monday night and Tuesday early.

Falcon is anticipated to change its course to a west-northwestward direction once it leaves the PAR zone, going very close to or touching down in the Okinawa Islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago. It will then go over the East China Sea and reach China's east coast.

The forecast for the storm's track may change in the upcoming warnings or bulletins as it continues to consolidate. Within the next three days, Falcon is expected to gradually gain strength, and by tomorrow afternoon or evening, it is likely to become a typhoon. The storm is anticipated to reach its maximum intensity late on Monday or early on Tuesday.

As Tropical Storm Falcon develops, please pay attention to the news for additional updates and warnings from reliable weather sources.

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Source: Cebu, Central Visayas severe weather | MSN Weather / PAGASA