Severe Tropical Storm Opong Expected to Intensify, Threatening Bicol Region by Friday

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has reported that Severe Tropical Storm Opong, internationally known as Bualoi, may intensify further over the Philippine Sea and could escalate to typhoon strength before it hits the Bicol Region by Friday morning or afternoon, September 26.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin on September 25, PAGASA noted the storm's maximum sustained winds at 110 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour. Forecasters indicated that while Opong is likely to strengthen, "marginally favorable conditions" could also keep it within the severe tropical storm category upon landfall.

PAGASA expects the storm to weaken once it passes over land but cautions that it may regain strength after moving over the West Philippine Sea.

At 10 a.m. on Thursday, Opong was located approximately 335 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, moving west-northwestward at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. The storm is projected to move west-northwest, possibly brushing Northern Samar or making landfall in the Bicol Region by Friday morning or early afternoon, before crossing Southern Luzon later that day. It is forecasted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday, September 27.

Due to Opong's approach, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been raised for several areas including Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, parts of Masbate, Northern Samar, parts of Eastern and Western Samar, and Biliran. These regions may experience gale-force winds within 24 hours.

Signal No. 1 is in effect for a broader area encompassing parts of Luzon such as Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Benguet, La Union, Metro Manila, Rizal, and several provinces across the Visayas and Mindanao, including northern Cebu and Dinagat Islands, where strong winds may occur within 36 hours.

Beyond winds, Opong is expected to bring heavy to torrential rainfall, raising concerns over flooding and landslides. PAGASA warned of intense rainfall totaling between 100 to 200 millimeters in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Sorsogon, Masbate, Samar, and Biliran on Thursday. Moderate to heavy rains are forecast for Catanduanes, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Dinagat Islands.

By Friday, certain areas such as Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Albay, Quezon, and Marinduque could see rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters, with widespread heavy rains also impacting Laguna, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Camarines Norte and Sur among others. Moderate to heavy precipitation is expected to continue into Saturday across Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

The southwest monsoon (habagat), strengthened by Opong, is likely to produce additional rain over Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and by Friday and Saturday, rain could extend to Palawan, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros provinces.

PAGASA has issued storm surge warnings of one to three meters across low-lying and coastal areas in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, and Leyte within the next 36 hours.

Residents in these vulnerable areas are urged to prepare for the possibility of strong winds, flooding, landslides, and coastal inundation. Fisherfolk and operators of small vessels are strongly advised to avoid venturing into the eastern seaboards as sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough.

"We emphasize the importance of vigilance and readiness among communities located along the storm’s track," PAGASA spokesperson stated. "Continued monitoring and adherence to local government advisories is crucial to ensure safety."