Signal No. 1 up in 4 areas as Agaton remains almost stationary off Eastern Visayas

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is still up in four areas as Tropical Depression Agaton remained almost stationary over the eastern seaboard of Eastern Visayas, the weather bureau PAGASA said on Saturday night.

Based on the weather bureau’s 11 p.m. bulletin, the center of Agaton was located 115 km East Southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometer per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

PAGASA said Agaton's movement was almost stationary.

TCWS No. 1 has been raised over the following areas: Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao, and Bucas Grande Islands.

The weather bureau said heavy to intense with at times torrential rains over Eastern Samar, Samar, and Dinagat Islands.

Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over the rest of Eastern Visayas, Surigao del Norte, and the northern and central portions of Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands.

Meanwhile, light to moderate with at times 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 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.

“Due to the expected erratic nature of its movement, a landfall over the coast of Eastern Samar is possible. However, the tropical depression may begin turning generally northeastward on Monday evening or Tuesday morning as it interacts with the incoming tropical cyclone with international name ‘Malakas,’” PAGASA said.

It is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm within the next 12 to 24 hours. —NB, GMA News