Signals up, flights canceled as Aghon intensifies

MANILA, Philippines — Several flights were canceled while sea trips were suspended by port authorities yesterday as Tropical Depression Aghon gained strength and continued to bring heavy rains and severe winds over the country’s eastern seaboard.

Aghon was forecast to intensify into a tropical storm by this morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said Aghon was seen to intensify before 8 a.m. this morning as it moved toward the Philippine landmass.

It could make landfall over the southern portion of Eastern Samar or Dinagat, after which it will pass northwestward, skirting the coast of Northern Samar.

It could possibly make another landfall over the southern portion of Bicol region this evening.

By Sunday, Aghon could begin to recurve generally northeastward as it continues to intensify. It could reach severe tropical storm category by Sunday morning and a typhoon by Monday.

Aghon was monitored 135 km northeast of Hinatuan at 3 p.m. yesterday.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 has been raised over Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, parts of Camarines Norte and Masbate.

The same wind signal was raised over Eastern Samar, Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, parts of Cebu, including Camotes Islands, Bantayan island and Bohol.

Signal No. 1 was also raised over Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte.

Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within these areas, state meteorologists said.

PAGASA said wind signal No. 2 may be the highest possible signal raised during the passage of Aghon.

Rains between 100-200 millimeters are forecast over Bicol and Northern Samar from this afternoon until Sunday.

Around 50-100mm of rain are forecast over the rest of Eastern Visayas, southern portion of Quezon and Polilio islands.

The Manila International Airport Authority announced the cancellation of six domestic flights due to bad weather condition at destinations.

Cebu Pacific sister company CEBGO cancelled flights DG 6841/6842 Manila-Siargao-Manila while PAL Express also cancelled flights from Manila-Siargao-Manila or