The latest storm news on the morning of June 23 from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the center of super typhoon Mekkhala (Philippines name Francisco) is 440km east of Tuguegarao city, Cagayan or 450km east of Aparri, Cagayan.
The latest super typhoon is moving west-northwest at a speed of 15 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the storm center and gusts of up to 230 km/h.
It is forecast that Super Typhoon Mekkhala will gradually slow down while moving northwest and on June 23 will change direction towards the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan.
According to forecasts, the super typhoon will leave the Philippine forecast area on June 26.
Previously, typhoon forecasters in the Philippines on June 22 predicted that Mekkhala could strengthen into a super typhoon in the next 12 hours. The warning was issued when the typhoon was 625km east of Tuguegarao city, Cagayan. At that time, the typhoon had maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h near the storm center and gusts of up to 215 km/h, moving northwest at a speed of 20 km/h.
PAGASA said that Mekkhala is still forecast to move far from the mainland Philippines, although the possibility of a slight shift to the west is not completely ruled out.
Moreover, Typhoon Mekkhala is expected to begin weakening from June 24, due to unfavorable environmental conditions before leaving the Philippine forecast area.
