‘Agaton’ leaves PH area of responsibility

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

Tropical Storm “Agaton” has left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), the state weather bureau said Wednesday afternoon.

As of 1 p.m., Agaton was spotted 440 kilometers west northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

The storm packed maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It continued to move west at 25 kph.

Agaton, the first tropical cyclone for 2018, left at least two dead and 5,000 persons displaced in its aftermath.

Moderate to heavy rains are expected over Bicol region, the provinces of Rizal, Aurora and Quezon due to the tail-end of a cold front.

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