NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Severe Tropical Storm Opong Strengthens, Bicol Region On Alert For Landfall
Photo credit: DOST-PAGASA
MANILA, Philippines - The country's latest weather disturbance, Tropical Cyclone Opong, has intensified into a severe tropical storm as it moves over the Philippine Sea, prompting state weather bureau PAGASA to raise wind signals over parts of Visayas and Luzon.
In its 5:00 PM bulletin on Wednesday, September 24, PAGASA reported that Opong (with the international name Bualoi) was last spotted 670 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. It is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 115 km/h. The storm is tracking west-northwestward at a speed of 20 km/h.
Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2, where gale-force winds of 62 to 88 km/h are expected within 24 hours, include Northern Samar and a portion of Eastern Samar. These winds could pose a moderate threat to life and property.
Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is in effect for a wider range of provinces, including Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, the rest of Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, and the northern part of Leyte. Residents in these areas should brace for strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h within 36 hours.
PAGASA also issued a serious warning about the storm's potential to intensify further. Opong is expected to reach typhoon category before its potential landfall over the Bicol Region on Friday, September 26. After crossing Southern Luzon, it is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday.
In addition to the strong winds, Opong is also enhancing the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, which is expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts to a large portion of the country, including Metro Manila, for the next three days. The public is advised to take all necessary precautions, as heavy rainfall and life-threatening storm surges are also possible in low-lying coastal areas.
Authorities and residents in the affected areas are urged to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and follow the instructions of local officials, especially those in areas highly susceptible to flooding and landslides.
In its 5:00 PM bulletin on Wednesday, September 24, PAGASA reported that Opong (with the international name Bualoi) was last spotted 670 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. It is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 115 km/h. The storm is tracking west-northwestward at a speed of 20 km/h.
Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2, where gale-force winds of 62 to 88 km/h are expected within 24 hours, include Northern Samar and a portion of Eastern Samar. These winds could pose a moderate threat to life and property.
Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is in effect for a wider range of provinces, including Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, the rest of Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, and the northern part of Leyte. Residents in these areas should brace for strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h within 36 hours.
PAGASA also issued a serious warning about the storm's potential to intensify further. Opong is expected to reach typhoon category before its potential landfall over the Bicol Region on Friday, September 26. After crossing Southern Luzon, it is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday.
In addition to the strong winds, Opong is also enhancing the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, which is expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts to a large portion of the country, including Metro Manila, for the next three days. The public is advised to take all necessary precautions, as heavy rainfall and life-threatening storm surges are also possible in low-lying coastal areas.
Authorities and residents in the affected areas are urged to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and follow the instructions of local officials, especially those in areas highly susceptible to flooding and landslides.
Sep 24, 2025
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