Philippines: Tropical Depression 1 tracking north-northwestward across Eastern Visayas Region early May 25

Tropical Depression 1 (known locally in the Philippines as Aghon) is tracking north-northwestward across the Eastern Visayas Region early May 25 following landfalls over Homonhon Island and near Giporlos Municipality in Eastern Samar Province earlier in the day. As of 05:00 PHST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 617 km (383 miles) southeast of Manila.

Forecast models indicate that the system will strengthen slightly as it tracks generally northwestward across the Eastern Visayas and then the Bicol regions through early May 26 before exiting into the Philippine Sea. The storm is likely to strengthen into a tropical storm as it turns sharply to track northeastwards through the afternoon of May 26 before continuing northeastwards and strengthening into a severe tropical storm just off the coast of Central Luzon, then Cagayan valley regions through May 27. The storm is forecast to strengthen further into a typhoon as it tracks northeastwards away from Luzon through early May 30. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and changes may occur over the coming hours and days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of continued heavy rainfall across parts of the central and northern Philippines; rainfall accumulations of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) are forecast over Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and Leyte provinces through the evening of May 26 and across Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes provinces the evening of May 26-the evening of May 27. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 is in place across Bicol, Calabarzon, Caraga, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa regions. Severe general flood warnings (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) are in place over parts of Bicol, Caraga, Davao, and Eastern Visayas regions, and moderate general flood advisories over most of the rest of central and southern Philippines.

Eight domestic flights connecting Manila with Calbayog, Naga, Siargao, Surigao, and Tacloban were canceled May 25 due to the adverse weather. Ferries connecting Masbate City with Albay, Cebu, and Samar provinces have also been canceled. Authorities have banned vessels from traveling across the Eastern Visayas Region and far northeastern Mindanao. Authorities have warned that more than 1,100 villages from 52 cities and municipalities are under moderate to very high threats of landslides.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.