According to storm news, the latest low pressure from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), two storms are operating strongly near the East Sea.
As of 11:00 AM on June 24 (local time), Typhoon Mekkhala continued to weaken as it moved northward over the sea area northeast of the Philippines.
The center of Typhoon Mekkhala is located about 295km northeast of Basco in Batanes province. The strongest wind near the center of the storm reached 140 km/h, gusting up to 170 km/h.
Due to the impact of the storm, PAGASA continues to maintain level 1 wind warning signals for Batanes province and the Northeast of Cagayan province, including the Babuyan Islands.
The circulation of Typhoon Mekkhala combined with the Southwest monsoon also caused widespread strong winds in many areas of the Philippines. On June 24, most of Luzon Island, Visayas region, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Dinagat archipelago, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental are at risk of strong gusts.
At sea, strong wind warnings are still maintained for the sea areas north and northeast of Luzon. In the sea area east of the Batanes and Babuyan archipelagoes and the Cagayan Northeast area, sea waves can reach up to 4.5m high. Authorities recommend that ships and boats limit operating in rough seas.
According to forecasts, Typhoon Mekkhala will continue to move northward until June 25 before gradually shifting to the Northeast, advancing towards the Ryukyu Islands and the southern sea of Japan. The typhoon is forecast to leave PAR on the evening of June 25 and continue to weaken in the following days, but still maintains typhoon level while still in this area.
Meanwhile, Typhoon Higos is currently operating in the sea area about 2,120km east of Central Luzon. The storm's center is located at about 15.5 degrees North latitude - 141.4 degrees East longitude. The strongest wind near the storm's center reaches 65 km/h, gusting up to 80 km/h.
The storm is moving in a northwest direction at a speed of about 20 km/h. PAGASA forecasts that Typhoon Higos will continue to move in a northwest to north-northwest direction in the next 36 hours and enter PAR (Philippines' responsibility area) on the evening of June 25. After entering this area, the storm will be named Gardo locally.
However, Typhoon Higos is forecast not to approach the mainland Philippines. After entering PAR, the typhoon will turn north over the Philippine waters before leaving this area in the morning or afternoon of June 26.
According to PAGASA, Typhoon Higos is likely to maintain tropical storm intensity throughout the forecast period, although the possibility of further strengthening into a severe tropical storm before gradually weakening in the southern sea of Japan is not excluded.
The two storms did not directly hit the mainland Philippines. However, people and tourists in this country are advised to closely monitor the weather forecast. Check flight schedules and follow local instructions to avoid storms affecting the journey.
