Weather: 'Falcon' heading for Japan, may exit PHL Saturday

Tropical Storm Falcon (Meari) moved toward Japan Friday morning and may exit Philippine territory as early as Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said. PAGASA said Falcon was about 330 km east of Basco, Batanes as of 10 a.m., with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph. "Unti-unti na ito gumagalaw papuntang Okinawa, Japan (It is moving toward Okinawa in Japan)," PAGASA forecaster Robert Sawi said at a news conference. He indicated Falcon may exit the Philippine area of responsibility as early as Saturday morning. But he also said Falcon is likely to leave remnants that may form into a new low-pressure area (LPA). While the LPA is not likely to become a cyclone, Sawi said it may enhance the southwest monsoon. At Camp Aguinaldo, acting PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando said the downpour on Saturday may not be as heavy compared to Thursday's rain. "Inaasahan natin na bukas uulan pa rin sa Metro Manila subalit [hindi] na gaanong kalakasan dahil papalayo na ang bagyong si Falcon," Servando said during a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). PAGASA advisory In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Falcon was moving north northwest at 19 kph and is expected to be 500 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes Saturday morning. By Sunday morning, it is expected to be 1,030 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes or at 370 km west northwest of Okinawa, Japan. Areas still under Storm Signal No. 1 are Calayan, Babuyan Group of Islands, and the Batanes Group of Islands. PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signal No. 1 to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides. — RSJ, GMA News