TD Aghon maintains its strength as it moves west northwestward

According to the latest bulletin from PAGASA, Tropical Depression “Aghon” is continuing to move west-northwestward and has maintained its strength. Significant rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas are expected over the next few days.

Current Position and Movement:

• Location (11:00 AM): 240 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (8.5°N, 128.5°E)
• Movement: West-northwestward at 10 km/h
• Intensity: Maximum winds of 45 km/h near the center, gusts up to 55 km/h, central pressure of 1006 hPa
• Wind Extent: Strong winds extend up to 220 km from the center

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) in Effect:

• TCWS No. 1 (Wind threat: Strong winds):

  • Luzon:
    • Sorsogon
    • Albay (including Manito, Legazpi City, City of Tabaco, Rapu-Rapu, Santo Domingo, Malilipot, Bacacay, Malinao, Tiwi),
    • Catanduanes,
    • Camarines Sur (including Caramoan, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Sagñay, San Jose, Lagonoy, Tigaon)

  
  
  
  
  

  • Visayas:
    • Eastern Samar,
    • Samar,
    • Northern Samar,
    • Leyte (including Babatngon, Tacloban City, Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, Dulag, Mayorga, Macarthur, Abuyog, Javier),
    • Southern Leyte (including Silago, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Anahawan, San Juan, Liloan, Saint Bernard, San Ricardo, Pintuyan, San Francisco)
  • Mindanao:
    • Dinagat Islands,
    • Surigao del Norte (including Siargao – Bucas Grande Group),
    • Surigao del Sur (including Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Cortes, City of Tandag)
• Warning Lead Time: 36 hours
• Range of Wind Speeds: 39 to 61 km/h (Beaufort 6 to 7)
• Potential Impacts of Winds: Minimal to minor threat to life and property

Rainfall Forecast:

• Today until tomorrow noon:

  • 100-200 mm: Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands
  • 50-100 mm: Surigao del Sur, rest of Eastern Visayas, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Catanduanes, eastern Camarines Sur

• Tomorrow noon to Sunday noon:

  • 100-200 mm: Northern Samar, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur
  • 50-100 mm: Camarines Norte, rest of Eastern Visayas, southern Quezon

• Sunday noon to Monday noon:

  • 50-100 mm: Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur

Rainfall will be higher in mountainous areas, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in already saturated regions.

Severe Winds:

• Strong winds may affect coastal and mountainous areas.
• Areas under Wind Signal No. 1 should expect minimal to minor impacts.
• Additional areas in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga might be placed under Wind Signal No. 1 soon, with Wind Signal No. 2 being the highest possible during AGHON’s passage.

Coastal Waters:

• Moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.0 meters) are expected along the northern and eastern coasts of Eastern Visayas and the eastern coast of Caraga. Mariners with small vessels should take precautions and avoid sailing in these conditions if possible.

Track and Intensity Outlook:

• AGHON will move west-northwestward or northwestward today and tomorrow, slowly intensifying.
• It is expected to approach or make landfall in Eastern Visayas tomorrow morning as a tropical storm.
• AGHON will then move north-northwestward over Eastern Visayas, reaching the waters off Bicol Region by tomorrow evening.
• On Sunday, it will turn northeastward, intensifying into a severe tropical storm by Sunday morning and potentially becoming a typhoon by Tuesday.

Due to the westward shift in AGHON’s forecasted track, an earlier landfall in Eastern Visayas and a direct passage over Bicol Region are possible.

The public and disaster risk reduction offices should take necessary measures to protect life and property. People in high-risk areas should follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials. Stay updated with the latest advisories from PAGASA.

The next bulletin will be issued at 2:00 PM today.