MANILA – Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been issued for several areas in Luzon as Typhoon Aghon slightly intensified, with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gusts of up to 170 kph, according to the weather bureau.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin on Monday (27 May 2024), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that gale-force winds are expected in areas under TCWS No. 2, which include the southeastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, Palanan), the northern portion of Aurora (Baler, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Dilasag, Casiguran), and Polillo Islands.

The typhoon was last located over the coastal waters of Casiguran, Aurora, moving north-northeast at 10 kph. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday.

Areas under TCWS No. 1 will experience strong winds. These areas include:

  • Northeastern and southern Isabela (Divilacan, San Mariano, San Guillermo, Jones, Echague, San Agustin, Ilagan City, Benito Soliven, City of Cauayan, Maconacon, Angadanan, Naguilian)
  • Eastern Quirino (Maddela, Nagtipunan, Aglipay)
  • Eastern Nueva Vizcaya (Alfonso Castaneda, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte)

The rest of Aurora

  • Eastern Nueva Ecija (General Tinio, Gabaldon, Bongabon, Pantabangan, Rizal, General Mamerto Natividad, Laur, Palayan City, Peñaranda, San Leonardo, City of Gapan, Cabanatuan City, Santa Rosa, Llanera)
  • Eastern Bulacan (San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Norzagaray)
  • Rizal
  • Northeastern Laguna (Pakil, Mabitac, Pangil, Famy, Siniloan, Santa Maria, Paete, Kalayaan, Lumban)
  • Northern and central Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real, Mauban, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Calauag, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Lopez, Atimonan, Gumaca, Plaridel)
  • Western Camarines Norte (Santa Elena, Vinzons, Labo, Capalonga, Paracale, – —– Talisay, Jose Panganiban, San Vicente, Daet), including Calaguas Islands

PAGASA warned of a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge over the exposed and low-lying coastal areas of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Polillo Islands within the next 24 hours.

A gale warning is in effect for the coastal waters of southern Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and the northern coastal waters of Quezon, including the Polillo Islands.

Sea travel is risky for small seacrafts, including all motorbancas. Aghon will also cause moderate to rough seas over the eastern coastal waters of Cagayan and the northern coastal waters of the Bicol Region. Mariners of small vessels are advised to take precautionary measures.

Meanwhile, at least six domestic flights have been canceled due to Aghon. These include CebGo DG 6031/6032 Manila-San Jose-Manila and DG 6113/6114 and DG 6117/6118 Manila-Naga-Manila.

(By el Amigo/MNM)