Tropical depression Agaton (International name: Megi) has weakened slightly as it remains “almost stationary” over San Pablo Bay, said the state weather bureau on Monday, April 11.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its latest bulletin issued as of 11 a.m., said that the center of “Agaton” was last spotted over the coastal waters of Tanauan, Leyte.
It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph), gustiness of up to 60 kph, and it is almost stationary.
Although it has weakened, PAGASA reiterated that tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 1 is still hoisted in the southern portion of Masbate (Dimasalang, Palanas, Cataingan, Pio V., Corpuz, Esperanza, Placer, Cawayan), eastern Samar, Samar, northern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, southern Leyte, the northeastern portion of Cebu (Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Medellin, City of Bogo, Tabongon, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan) including Camotes Island, the eastern portion of Bohol (Getafe, Talibon, Bien, Unido, Trinidad, Ubay, San Miguel, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Mabini), Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands.
“Strong winds within the next 36 hours ,” said PAGASA.
Meanwhile, residents of Sorsogon, Masbate, Romblon, Biliran, Leyte, southern Leyte, northern and central portions of Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, the northern portion of Negros Oriental, the northern portion of Negros Occidental, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Antique, and Guimaras were warned against moderate to at times heavy with at times intense rains in the next 24 hours.
Light to moderate with at times heavy rains may likewise prevail over Dinagat Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Quezon, and the rest of Bicol Region, and Visayas.
In terms of the tropical depression’s track and intensity, the state weather bureau said that “Agaton” is forecast to remain a tropical depression over most of the forecast period.
“On the forecast intensity, “Agaton” may further weaken into a remnant low by Wednesday evening as it becomes assimilated with the circulation of Malakas,” said PAGASA.
'Malakas' slightly intensifies
The severe tropical storm outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) which has the international name “Malakas” was spotted 1,300 km east of southern Luzon. It has maximum sustained winds of 100 kph, gustiness of up to 125 kph, and is moving northwestward at 15 kph.
PAGASA said that it is forecast to enter PAR within the next 24 or 48 hours. Once it enters PAR, it will be given the domestic name “Basyang.”
“Malakas is unlikely to directly affect the weather condition in the country. However, it is forecast influence the movement and development of Agaton,” PAGASA added.