‘Agaton’ slightly intensifies, landfall on Eastern Samar coast possible — Pagasa

MANILA,Philippines—Tropical depression Agaton, while moving slowly northwestward, has slightly intensified and could make  landfall on the coast of Eastern Samar, the state weather bureau reported on Saturday.

The center of Agaton was estimated to be at 130 kilometers east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, packing a maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) with gustiness of up to 70 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

“Today through Tuesday morning, ‘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,” Pagasa said in its latest bulletin.

https://www.facebook.com/PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH/posts/4808442839265587

Meanwhile, the government weather service is also monitoring the tropical storm Malakas, located 1,915 kilometers east of Mindanao outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

In a press briefing, Pagasa weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said “Malakas” is not currently affecting the country, but Pagasa said Agaton, which moves northwestward, will interact with “Malakas.”

“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 also said.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal remains hoisted over Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, where strong winds are prevailing or expected within the next 36 hours.

Meanwhile, Pagasa is also monitoring a low pressure area located 505 kilometers west southwest of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, but it is unlikely to enter the PAR, according to Aurelio.

RELATED STORY

‘Agaton’ seen to intensify into tropical storm in next 24 hours — Pagasa

je