'Aghon' strengthens, 18 areas now under Signal No. 1

MANILA, Philippines — More areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 due to Aghon as the tropical depression slightly strengthened, the state weather bureau said Friday.

Aghon—the first tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine area of responsibility—was last spotted 135 kilometers northeast of  Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or 185 km east Southeast of Surigao City, Surigao del with peak winds of 55 kilometer per hour near the center and gusts of up to 70 kph. 

It was heading west northwestward at 30 kph.

The following areas were placed under Signal No. 1:

Luzon

Visayas

Mindanao

Residents of these areas may experience minimal to minor impacts from strong winds.

Aghon is steadily moving west northwestward over the sea east of Mindanao, bringing significant rainfall and potential hazards to various regions in the country.

From Friday until Saturday afternoon:

From Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon:

From Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon:

"Forecast rainfall are generally higher in elevated or mountainous areas," PAGASA said.

"Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days," it added.

On Friday afternoon, Aghon will bring moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.5 meters) along the northern and eastern seaboards of Eastern Visayas and the eastern seaboard of the Caraga Region. 

Mariners operating motor bancas and similarly-sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures and avoid navigating these waters if possible, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels.

Aghon is expected to move generally west northwestward or northwestward from Friday until Saturday while slowly intensifying.

"It is expected to make landfall over the southern portion of Eastern Samar or Dinagat Islands by tomorrow morning as a tropical storm," the state weather bureau said.

"Afterwards, Aghon will pass north northwestward through the coast of Northern Samar and may make another