NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
A New Tropical Depression, 'Opong,' Enters The Philippine Area Of Responsibility
Photo credit: DOST-PAGASA
MANILA – A new tropical depression, now named "Opong," has officially entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), according to a bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) at 5:00 PM today.
The storm's center was located approximately 1,045 kilometers east of Northeastern Mindanao, with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts of up to 70 km/h. It is currently moving west-southwest at a leisurely 10 km/h.
While there are no wind signals hoisted at present, the public is urged to stay vigilant. PAGASA forecasts that the storm could reach severe tropical storm category, and as a result, a Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region as early as tomorrow, with the potential for higher signals up to Wind Signal No. 3 during its passage.
The weather bureau also warns that Opong is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and Easterlies, potentially bringing strong to gale-force winds to various parts of the country, including most of Luzon, Western Visayas, and parts of Mindanao, beginning tomorrow and continuing through the end of the week.
Coastal communities are also advised to be cautious. Moderate to rough seas are expected in the coastal waters of Eastern Visayas and northeastern Mindanao starting Thursday afternoon. Furthermore, there is a risk of coastal flooding due to potential storm surges, and a warning may be issued in the coming days for low-lying coastal areas in Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas.
On its current track, Opong is projected to pass near or make landfall over Northern Samar early Friday morning before crossing the Southern Luzon area. Residents in these regions and those identified as highly susceptible to the storm's hazards are strongly advised to prepare and heed the instructions of local officials.
The storm's center was located approximately 1,045 kilometers east of Northeastern Mindanao, with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts of up to 70 km/h. It is currently moving west-southwest at a leisurely 10 km/h.
While there are no wind signals hoisted at present, the public is urged to stay vigilant. PAGASA forecasts that the storm could reach severe tropical storm category, and as a result, a Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region as early as tomorrow, with the potential for higher signals up to Wind Signal No. 3 during its passage.
The weather bureau also warns that Opong is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and Easterlies, potentially bringing strong to gale-force winds to various parts of the country, including most of Luzon, Western Visayas, and parts of Mindanao, beginning tomorrow and continuing through the end of the week.
Coastal communities are also advised to be cautious. Moderate to rough seas are expected in the coastal waters of Eastern Visayas and northeastern Mindanao starting Thursday afternoon. Furthermore, there is a risk of coastal flooding due to potential storm surges, and a warning may be issued in the coming days for low-lying coastal areas in Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas.
On its current track, Opong is projected to pass near or make landfall over Northern Samar early Friday morning before crossing the Southern Luzon area. Residents in these regions and those identified as highly susceptible to the storm's hazards are strongly advised to prepare and heed the instructions of local officials.
Sep 23, 2025
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