Agaton almost stationary over Samar-Leyte area, Signal No. 1 remains over 9 areas

Tropical Depression Agaton continues to meander over the Samar-Leyte area, according to the 5 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Update posted by PAGASA.

As of 4 a.m., the center of Tropical Depression Agaton was estimated over the coastal waters of Tacloban City, Leyte with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 70 km/h, and central pressure of 1000 hPa and almost stationary.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is in effect of 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.

Under these conditions and considering significant antecedent rainfall, scattered to widespread flooding (including flooding) and rain-induced landslides are still expected especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazard as identified in hazard maps.
Severe Winds

Hazards affecting coastal waters

Rough seas will prevail over the seaboards of areas under Signal No. 1 making the areas risky for most seacrafts.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Agaton is forecast to continue meandering in the vicinity of Samar-Leyte area within the next 12 hours 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 into a remnant low within the next 24 hours.  -- BAP, GMA News