Tropical cyclone "Falcon" (international code name Meari) intensified into a tropical storm Wednesday afternoon, but state weather forecasters said it was still not likely to make landfall over the Philippines.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Falcon" was estimated at 370 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes as of 4 p.m.
"Sa ngayon di pa namin nakikitang magla-landfall ito (For now we do not see it making landfall)," PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz said in an interview on dzBB radio.
Loiz also said there are still no storm signals for now.
"Falcon" packed maximum winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph and is forecast to move west northwest at 19 kph.
"The whole country will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over the eastern section of Southern Luzon and Visayas which may trigger flashfloods and landslides," PAGASA said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.
It added moderate to strong winds blowing from southwest to southeast will prevail over northern and Central Luzon and coming from the southwest to west over the rest of the country.
Coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.
PAGASA also warned of strong to gale force winds that may affect the western seaboards of Luzon and Visayas and eastern seaboards of the country.
"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," it said.
Meanwhile, Loiz said PAGASA is still analyzing another weather system outside Philippine territory that may become a cyclone.
Should the LPA become a cyclone in Philippine territory, it will be codenamed "Goring."
"Inaasahan naming pumasok ito next week. Si 'Falcon' lalabas Sabado ng hapon (We expect the next possible cyclone to enter Philippine territory next week, even as 'Falcon' may exit Philippine territory Saturday)," he said. — KBK,
