Storm signals lifted as ‘Agaton’ moves to exit PH

The track of tropical depression “Agaton” based on the latest satellite image of Pagasa.

Storm signals have been lifted as tropical depression “Agaton” slightly slowed down early Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Moderate to heavy rains are nevertheless expected over Visayas, Bicol Region, Palawan, and Quezon due to the trough of Agaton, which is heading towards the West Philippine Sea, and tail-end of a cold front, according to the state weather bureau.

These areas were warned of possible flooding and landslides.

Agaton packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 65 kph.

The tropical cyclone was last spotted 175 kilometers west northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, moving 25 kph westward.

Sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and Southern Luzon, eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, eastern and western seaboards of Visayas, and eastern seaboard of Mindanao due to the surge of northeast monsoon and Agaton.

The tropical cyclone is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday morning, Pagasa said.             /kga