‘Agaton’ picks up speed as it moves towards Palawan

Track of Tropical Depression “Agaton” as of 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018

Tropical Depression “Agaton” has slightly accelerated as it moved towards the Palawan province on Tuesday night, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In its 8 p.m. severe weather bulletin on Tuesday, Pagasa said Agaton was moving 30 kilometers per hour (kph) west towards Palawan.

As of 7 p.m., the tropical depression was last tracked 105 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, the state weather bureau said.

The storm maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center with a gustiness of up to 65 kph.

Storm Signal No. 1 was still raised over Palawan, including Cuyo Island.

Sea travel remained risky over these areas due to the surge of the northeast monsoon, or amihan, and Agaton.

The state weather bureau also warned residents of possible flashfloods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rains in Palawan, Bicol region, Samar provinces, Panay Island, southern Quezon, and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon. /atm