Agaton maintains strength while almost stationary off Eastern Visayas

Tropical Depression Agaton has maintained its strength while remaining almost stationary over the eastern seaboard of Eastern Visayas.

According to its 8 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Agaton was last spotted 130 kilometers east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Agaton was almost stationary, PAGASA said.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised over the following areas: Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao, and Bucas Grande Islands.

From Saturday night until Sunday morning, PAGASA predicted moderate to heavy rains with occasional intense rains over Eastern Visayas and the Dinagat Islands, as well as light to moderate rains with occasional heavy rains over Masbate, Sorsogon, and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.

In the next 24 hours, rough to very rough seas (2.8 to 4.5 m) will prevail over the seaboards of areas where TCWS No. 1 is hoisted and the northern and eastern coastal waters of Northern Samar.

PAGASA advised mariners of small seacrafts to remain in port or take shelter, while those operating larger vessels are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions.

Agaton is forecast to remain almost stationary or move slowly as it meanders over the waters east of Eastern Visayas.

Within the next 12 to 24 hours, it is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, PAGASA said. —VBL, GMA News