‘Agaton’ stronger, becomes a storm as it leaves PH

Tropical storm ‘Agaton’ (left, center) has intensified while moving away from the Philippines. PAGASA PHOTO

Agaton has intensified into a tropical storm as it moved away from the country.

While no storm signals were raised, moderate to heavy rain is expected over the Bicol Region and the provinces of Rizal, Aurora and Quezon due to the tail-end of a cold front, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said midday Wednesday.

The storm was last spotted 390 kilometers west northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It blew winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph as it gathered strength while at sea.

It maintained its speed of 25 kph westward.

Agaton is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Wednesday afternoon.

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