Tropical depression Agaton may bring more rains over the eastern sections of southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in the next 24 to 48 hours, as the weather disturbance is seen to remain stationary or move slowly over the coast of Eastern Visayas within the next two days.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Chris Perez said the Agaton’s location was estimated at 125 kilometers (km) east-southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar as of 10 a.m., Saturday, April 9.

It has maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

Brace for rains, strong winds, rough seas

Due to the expected impact of Agaton, tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remained hoisted over Eastern Samar, Dinagat Island, Siargao Island, and Bucas Grande Island.

Perez said that while a landfall scenario over Eastern Samar is not ruled out, there is a higher probability that Agaton may remain almost stationary in the next two days.

“Either scenario, we will continue to monitor this weather disturbance as it may bring significant rains over the eastern parts of Visayas and Mindanao and parts of southern Luzon within two to three days,” he said in a virtual press conference.

From Saturday until early Sunday morning, moderate to heavy with occasional intense rains may prevail over Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Island, and Surigao del Norte, while light to moderate with occasional heavy rains may affect Masbate, Sorsogon, and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.

From early Sunday to early Monday, moderate to heavy with occasional intense rains may prevail over Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, the northern and central portions of Cebu, including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, and Bohol.

Light to moderate with occasional heavy rains may also continue to affect Masbate, Sorsogon, and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.

“Under these conditions and considering significant antecedent rainfall, scattered to widespread flooding and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps,” PAGASA warned.

Likewise, strong winds may prevail over areas under Signal No.1

In the next 24 hours, rough to very rough seas will prevail over the seaboards of areas where Signal No. 1 is hoisted and the northern and eastern coastal waters of Northern Samar.

“These conditions may be risky for most seacrafts. Mariners of small seacrafts are advised to remain in port or take shelter, while those operating larger vessels are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions,” PAGASA advised.

‘Malakas’ to enter PH area of responsibility by Monday

PAGASA is also continuously monitoring a tropical storm with an international name Malakas as it may enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Monday, April 11. It will be given a local name “Basyang” once inside the PAR.

Perez said Agaton may begin to turn generally northeastward on Monday afternoon or Tuesday, April 12, as it will be pulled by a stronger cyclone, Malakas.

Agaton may intensify into a tropical storm in the next 24 hours.

“By Tuesday, the disturbance may weaken into tropical depression and may degenerate into a remnant low by late Tuesday or early Wednesday as Malakas begins to assimilate its circulation,” PAGASA said.