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Advocates Philippines
Tropical Storm Opong Strengthens, Poses Increasing Threat To PH
Photo credit: DOST_Pagasa
A new weather bulletin issued this morning confirms that Tropical Storm Opong has continued to intensify as it moves across the Philippine Sea, with its effects expected to be felt across a wide swath of the country.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 4 at 11:00 a.m. today, September 24, 2025, noting that Opong (with the international name Bualoi) now has maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h and gusts of up to 105 km/h. It was last spotted 815 km east of Northeastern Mindanao.
While the storm is still a considerable distance from land, PAGASA has already raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar. This signal indicates a potential for strong winds (39 to 61 km/h) within the next 36 hours, which could pose a minimal to minor threat to life and property.
According to the bulletin, the storm is moving west-southwestward at 15 km/h. Its strong winds extend up to 450 km from its center. However, the bulletin also warns that local winds may be stronger in coastal and mountainous areas directly exposed to the storm.
Opong is not the only weather system impacting the Philippines. The Southwest Monsoon, which is being enhanced by both Opong and another weather system named Nando, is expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts to a long list of areas today, tomorrow, and on Friday, September 26. These areas include major regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, particularly the Ilocos Region, Metro Manila, and Western Visayas, among others.
On the sea, mariners of small vessels are being advised to take extra caution. Moderate to rough seas are expected in the coastal waters of Northern and Eastern Samar, Catanduanes, and Dinagat Islands. A Gale Warning may be issued tomorrow. Additionally, there is a potential for coastal flooding from storm surges in low-lying areas of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, with a storm surge warning possibly being issued as early as today or tomorrow.
Looking ahead, Opong is projected to turn west-northwest and may make landfall over the Bicol Region on Friday afternoon before crossing Southern Luzon until Saturday morning. PAGASA warns that Opong is likely to become a typhoon before it makes landfall and will weaken as it crosses the archipelago. The agency also noted that it could re-intensify once it emerges over the West Philippine Sea.
PAGASA emphasized that heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surges are not limited to the forecast path and that all communities, particularly those in areas highly susceptible to these hazards, should take necessary precautions and follow instructions from local authorities.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 4 at 11:00 a.m. today, September 24, 2025, noting that Opong (with the international name Bualoi) now has maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h and gusts of up to 105 km/h. It was last spotted 815 km east of Northeastern Mindanao.
While the storm is still a considerable distance from land, PAGASA has already raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar. This signal indicates a potential for strong winds (39 to 61 km/h) within the next 36 hours, which could pose a minimal to minor threat to life and property.
According to the bulletin, the storm is moving west-southwestward at 15 km/h. Its strong winds extend up to 450 km from its center. However, the bulletin also warns that local winds may be stronger in coastal and mountainous areas directly exposed to the storm.
Opong is not the only weather system impacting the Philippines. The Southwest Monsoon, which is being enhanced by both Opong and another weather system named Nando, is expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts to a long list of areas today, tomorrow, and on Friday, September 26. These areas include major regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, particularly the Ilocos Region, Metro Manila, and Western Visayas, among others.
On the sea, mariners of small vessels are being advised to take extra caution. Moderate to rough seas are expected in the coastal waters of Northern and Eastern Samar, Catanduanes, and Dinagat Islands. A Gale Warning may be issued tomorrow. Additionally, there is a potential for coastal flooding from storm surges in low-lying areas of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, with a storm surge warning possibly being issued as early as today or tomorrow.
Looking ahead, Opong is projected to turn west-northwest and may make landfall over the Bicol Region on Friday afternoon before crossing Southern Luzon until Saturday morning. PAGASA warns that Opong is likely to become a typhoon before it makes landfall and will weaken as it crosses the archipelago. The agency also noted that it could re-intensify once it emerges over the West Philippine Sea.
PAGASA emphasized that heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surges are not limited to the forecast path and that all communities, particularly those in areas highly susceptible to these hazards, should take necessary precautions and follow instructions from local authorities.
Sep 24, 2025
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