MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Aghon has intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts of up to 170 kph, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to hoist Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) No. 2 in several areas in Luzon.
The storm, which was last tracked over the coastal waters of Casiguran, Aurora, is moving north-northeast at 10 kph and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.
Gale-force winds may be experienced in areas under TCWS No. 2, including the southeastern portion of Isabela, the northern portion of Aurora, and Polillo Islands. Strong winds will also prevail in areas under TCWS No. 1, including the northeastern and southern portions of Isabela, the eastern portions of Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Nueva Ecija, as well as the eastern portion of Bulacan and the northern and central portions of Quezon.
PAGASA warned of a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge over exposed and low-lying coastal areas of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Polillo Islands within the next 24 hours. A gale warning has been hoisted over the coastal waters of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and the northern coastal waters of Quezon, including Polillo Islands.
Sea travel is risky for small seacraft, including all motorbancas, and mariners are advised to take precautionary measures. Moderate to rough seas are expected over the eastern coastal waters of Cagayan and the northern coastal waters of Bicol Region.
It is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.
Strong winds will prevail in the following areas under TCWS No. 1:
northeastern and southern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, San Mariano, San Guillermo, Jones, Echague, San Agustin, Ilagan City, Benito Soliven, City of Cauayan, Maconacon, Angadanan, Naguilian), the eastern portion of Quirino (Maddela, Nagtipunan, Aglipay), the eastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Alfonso Castaneda, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte), the rest of Aurora, eastern portion of Nueva Ecija (General Tinio, Gabaldon, Bongabon, Pantabangan, Rizal, General Mamerto Natividad, Laur, Palayan City, Peñaranda, San Leonardo, City of Gapan, Cabanatuan City, Santa Rosa, Llanera), the eastern portion of Bulacan (San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Norzagaray), Rizal, the northeastern portion of Laguna (Pakil, Mabitac, Pangil, Famy, Siniloan, Santa Maria, Paete, Kalayaan, Lumban), the northern and central portions of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real, Mauban, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Calauag, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Lopez, Atimonan, Gumaca, Plaridel), and the western portion of Camarines Norte (Santa Elena, Vinzons, Labo, Capalonga, Paracale, Talisay, Jose Panganiban, San Vicente, Daet) including Calaguas Islands.
At least six domestic flights were canceled due to Aghon, including CebGo flights from Manila to San Jose and Naga.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions and follow instructions from local authorities.
