Agaton continues winding course over Samar-Leyte Area; 9 areas remain under Signal No. 1

Tropical Depression Agaton continues to meander over the Samar-Leyte Area, PAGASA reported in its Tropical Cyclone Bulletin posted at 2 a.m.

As of 1 a.m., the center of Tropical Depression Agaton was estimated to be over the coastal waters of Babatngon, Leyte with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers near the center, gustiness of up to 70 km/h, central pressure of 1002 hPa and almost stationary.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) No. 1 is hoisted over the following areas:

Luzon

• the southern portion of Masbate (Dimasalang, Cawayan, Palanas, Placer, Cataingan, Esperanza, Pio V. Corpuz)

Visayas

• Eastern Samar
• Samar
• Northern Samar
• Biliran
• Leyte
• Southern Leyte
• the northeastern portion of Cebu (Daanbantayan, Medellin, City of Bogo, Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod) including Camotes Island

Mindanao

• Dinagat Islands

Hazards affecting land areas

Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, the northern and central portions of Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Antique, Guimaras, and the northern and central portions of Negros Provinces.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains over MIMAROPA, Dinagat Islands, Zamboanga del Norte, Quezon, and the rest of Visayas.

Strong winds will be experienced within any of the areas where Signal No. 1 is currently in effect.

Rough seas will prevail over the seaboards of areas under Signal No. 1 is and these conditions may be risky for most seacrafts.

Track and Intensity outlook

Agaton is forecast to continue meandering in the vicinity of Samar-Leyte-Biliran before turning more east southeastward towards the Philippine Sea beginning Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.

Due to the combined effects of land interaction, increasing vertical wind shear, and the effects of the upper-level outflow of Severe Tropical Storm Malakas, Agaton is forecast to deteriorate within the next 36 hours. -- BAP, GMA News