NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Storm Opong Holds Steady: Gale-Force Winds And Coastal Danger Ahead
Photo credit: DOST_Pagasa
The state weather bureau issued Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 9 today, Thursday, September 25, 2025, confirming that Severe Tropical Storm #OpongPH (BUALOI) remains a significant threat. As of 11:00 AM, the storm’s center was estimated at 335 kilometers East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Opong is currently moving West northwestward at a speed of 25 km/h, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h and gusts up to 135 km/h.
Wind and Rainfall Warnings
Authorities have raised multiple Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) across a wide area. TCWS No. 2, indicating gale-force winds (62 to 88 km/h) expected within 24 hours, is in effect for several Bicol provinces, including Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and part of Masbate, as well as northern and central parts of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran. These conditions pose a minor to moderate threat to life and property.
A much larger area is under TCWS No. 1 (strong winds, 39 to 61 km/h), covering parts of Luzon from Isabela down to Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and extending to most of the Visayas and parts of Mindanao (Siargao, Bucas Grande, and Dinagat Islands). Residents in these areas should also be prepared for heavy rainfall, which is detailed in a separate Weather Advisory.
Sea Travel and Storm Surge Risks
Sea conditions are becoming highly hazardous. A Gale Warning is in effect, and sea travel is deemed risky for all types of vessels across the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon and Visayas due to waves potentially reaching up to 11.0 meters.
Of particular concern is the high risk of a life-threatening storm surge. Authorities warn that peak surge heights could reach 1.0 to 3.0 meters within the next 36 hours over low-lying coastal localities of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas.
Forecast Track and Intensity
Opong is expected to continue its West northwestward trajectory. Current forecasts show the storm may pass close to Northern Samar or make landfall over the Bicol Region tomorrow morning or early afternoon, subsequently crossing Southern Luzon before heading toward the West Philippine Sea on Saturday.
The storm is projected to intensify and may reach typhoon category before landfall. However, it is expected to weaken as it crosses the archipelago. The highest possible Wind Signal that may be hoisted is TCWS No. 4. Local government units and disaster risk reduction and management offices are strongly advised to take all necessary measures and enforce required safety and evacuation protocols.
Wind and Rainfall Warnings
Authorities have raised multiple Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) across a wide area. TCWS No. 2, indicating gale-force winds (62 to 88 km/h) expected within 24 hours, is in effect for several Bicol provinces, including Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and part of Masbate, as well as northern and central parts of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran. These conditions pose a minor to moderate threat to life and property.
A much larger area is under TCWS No. 1 (strong winds, 39 to 61 km/h), covering parts of Luzon from Isabela down to Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and extending to most of the Visayas and parts of Mindanao (Siargao, Bucas Grande, and Dinagat Islands). Residents in these areas should also be prepared for heavy rainfall, which is detailed in a separate Weather Advisory.
Sea Travel and Storm Surge Risks
Sea conditions are becoming highly hazardous. A Gale Warning is in effect, and sea travel is deemed risky for all types of vessels across the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon and Visayas due to waves potentially reaching up to 11.0 meters.
Of particular concern is the high risk of a life-threatening storm surge. Authorities warn that peak surge heights could reach 1.0 to 3.0 meters within the next 36 hours over low-lying coastal localities of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas.
Forecast Track and Intensity
Opong is expected to continue its West northwestward trajectory. Current forecasts show the storm may pass close to Northern Samar or make landfall over the Bicol Region tomorrow morning or early afternoon, subsequently crossing Southern Luzon before heading toward the West Philippine Sea on Saturday.
The storm is projected to intensify and may reach typhoon category before landfall. However, it is expected to weaken as it crosses the archipelago. The highest possible Wind Signal that may be hoisted is TCWS No. 4. Local government units and disaster risk reduction and management offices are strongly advised to take all necessary measures and enforce required safety and evacuation protocols.
Sep 25, 2025
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