Storm signal no. 1 in 8 provinces

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MANILA, Philippines (2ND UPDATE) – The first public storm warning signal of the year has been raised in 8 provinces in Eastern Visayas and parts of Mindanao.

The state weather bureau PAGASA said in its 11 pm bulletin on Friday, January 17, that the low pressure area earlier reported has developed into a tropical depression, called Agaton, and is moving toward the country’s area of responsibility. (READ: Flooded Mindanao braces for Agaton)

PAGASA has raised public storm warning signal 1 over the following provinces:

• Southern Leyte
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur
• Dinagat Islands
• Agusan del Norte
• Agusan del Sur
• Davao Oriental
• Compostela Valley

Agaton is estimated at 180 km northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, with maximum winds of 55 k/h near the center.

It is forecast to move west at 5 k/h.

PAGASA warned that Agaton will also bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over Central Visayas and the rest of Eastern Visayas.

Agaton is expected to be at 70 km north of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur tomorrow, and 50 km north of Davao City by Sunday.

– Rappler.com