MANILA –Tropical Depression Aghon has strengthened into a tropical storm over Tayabas Bay, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday (26 May 2024).
As of 5 a.m., the center of Aghon was located over the coastal waters of Lucena City, Quezon, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gustiness up to 90 km/h. Moving northwest at 10 km/h, Aghon is expected to make landfall in Quezon within three hours.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) Updates
TCWS No. 2: Northern and central Quezon, including Polillo Islands.
TCWS No. 1: Parts of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, the rest of Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, northern Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, northern Albay, and Burias Island.
Minor to moderate impacts from strong winds are expected in areas under TCWS No. 2. Sea travel is risky for small vessels in affected coastal regions.
Forecast and Impacts
Aghon will traverse mainland Calabarzon and Polillo Islands over the next 12 hours. It may weaken into a tropical depression due to land interaction but is expected to intensify again and could reach severe tropical storm category by Tuesday. Aghon might reach typhoon strength within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) before exiting on Wednesday.
Rainfall and Flood Risks:
Forecasted rainfall of 100-200 mm in Quezon, Aurora, eastern Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Metro Manila, and Camarines Norte could cause flooding and landslides, especially in high-risk areas. Elevated regions are expected to receive higher rainfall.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather bulletins and heed local authorities’ warnings.
(el Amigo/mnm)
