Manila, June 23 -- Super Typhoon Francisco (international name Mekkhala) maintains its strength Tuesday, wiith several areas in northern Luzon still under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

This tropical cyclone will remain far from the Philippine landmass. It is forecast to gradually decelerate while moving north northwest until Wednesday morning before recurving towards the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan, according to PAGASA.

Francisco is packing maximum sustained winds of 185 km. per hour near the center and gusts of up to 230 kph. As of 4 a.m., it was located 410 km. east of Aparri, Cagayan.

Strong winds will prevail in areas under s...