MANILA – The low-pressure area (LPA) east of Surigao del Sur has developed into a tropical depression (TD) named Aghon, the weather bureau announced on Friday (24 May 2024).
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Aghon has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph. It was last located 340 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, moving west-northwest at 30 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been issued for Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao Islands, and Bucas Grande Islands. These areas may experience minimal to minor impacts from strong winds.
Aghon is expected to move northwest or north-northwest, slowly intensifying over the weekend. It may approach or make landfall near Eastern Samar on Saturday and could strengthen into a severe tropical storm by mid-Sunday, according to PAGASA.
Local winds could be stronger in coastal and mountainous regions, PAGASA noted. Additionally, Aghon is forecasted to cause moderate to rough seas along the northern and eastern seaboards of Eastern Visayas and the eastern seaboard of the Caraga Region.
PAGASA advises mariners operating motor bancas and similarly sized vessels to take precautionary measures and, if possible, avoid venturing into the sea under these conditions.
(el Amigo/MNM)
