Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been placed in four areas of the country as the low-pressure area east of Surigao del Sur has developed into Tropical Depression "Aghon", PAGASA reported on Friday.
In its 5 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, the state weather bureau said the four areas under TCWS No. 1 are:
- Eastern Samar
- Dinagat Islands
- Siargao Islands
- Bucas Grande Islands
PAGASA said these areas may experience intermittent rains or winds of 39 to 61 km/h within the next 36 hours.
As of 5 a.m., the eye of Aghon was estimated at 340 km east of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur moving west-northwestward at 30 km/h packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.
Aghon is forecast to move generally northwestward or north-northwestward from Friday until Saturday while slowly intensifying.
PAGASA said Aghon may "make a close approach or make landfall" in Eastern Samar on Saturday morning as a tropical depression.
"Afterwards, AGHON will pass north-northwestward over Eastern Visayas, then emerge over the waters off the east coast of Bicol Region tomorrow afternoon or evening as a tropical storm," said PAGASA.
Aghon is the first tropical cyclone to hit the country this year,
According to PAGASA, the cyclone will start "recurving" on Sunday over the waters east of Luzon, either north-northeastward or generally northeast, while continuing to develop.
"Current forecast scenario shows intensification into a severe tropical storm by mid-Sunday and into a typhoon by Tuesday," it noted.
