‘Agaton’ expected to make landfall in Puerto Princesa

Track of Tropical Depression “Agaton” as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018.

Tropical Depression “Agaton” is expected to make landfall in Puerto Princesa City on Tuesday night, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In its 5 p.m. severe weather bulletin isssued on Tuesday, Pagasa said Agaton would make landfall in Palawan’s capital between 8 to 11 p.m.

As of 4 p.m., Agaton was spotted 185 km east southeast of Puerto Princesa, moving west at 28 kph.

The depression maintained its strength at 55 kph of maximum sustained winds, with a gustiness of 65 kph.

Storm Signal no. 1 remains over Palawan and Cuyo Island.

Pagasa warned residents of possible flashfloods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rains in those areas, as well as in the Bicol region, Samar provinces, Panay Island, southern Quezon, and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon.

Sea travel remains risky along the shores of Palawan and Cuyo Island, as well as the seaboards of northern and southern Luzon, eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, eastern and western seaboards of the Visayas, and eastern seaboard of Mindanao due to Agaton as well as the surge of the northeast monsoon (amihan).

Agaton is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday. /atm