‘Aghon’ intensifies into severe tropical storm; Signal No. 3 raised in eastern Quezon

MANILA, Philippines — The eastern section of Quezon province was placed under Wind Signal No. 3 as cyclone Aghon (Ewiniar) intensified into a severe tropical storm on Sunday afternoon. 

PAGASA said Aghon, the country’s first cyclone this year, was last seen over the coastal waters of Mauban in Quezon province, with peak winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 130 kph. 

The severe tropical storm was slowly moving northeast towards the Polillo Islands.

PAGASA raised wind signals over the following areas:

Residents of areas under Signal No. 3 could experience moderate to significant impacts from strong winds.

Residents of areas under Signal No. 2 could experience minor to moderate impacts from strong winds.

Residents of areas under Signal No. 1 could experience minimal to minor impacts from strong winds.

More areas in Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon could be placed under Signal No. 1 in the next bulletin. PAGASA added that it is not ruling out the possibility of hoisting Signal No. 3 over the eastern section of Aurora. 

“As Aghon continues to move across our country, I urge everyone in the affected areas to stay vigilant and prioritize your safety,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on X, adding that he has ordered local government units and emergency services to monitor the situation and provide assistance.

PAGASA said that Aghon could bring rain of up to 200 millimeters over Quezon province, and between 100 and 200 mm over Aurora, eastern portion of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Metro Manila and Camarines Norte until Monday afternoon. 

Meanwhile, the eastern portion of Isabela, Nueva Ecija, the rest of Bulacan, the eastern portion of Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Burias Island, the western portion of Camarines Sur, Cuyo Islands, Aklan, and Antique could have 50 to 100 mm of rainfall.

The state weather bureau warned of higher rainfall in elevated or mountainous areas. This can lead to flooding and landslides, especially in areas susceptible to these hazards or places that have experienced recent heavy rain.

PAGASA also said that there is a “minimal to moderate” risk of storm surge over the