Typhoon Opong (Bualoi) has strengthened into a tropical storm on Wednesday, September 24. It is currently located in the eastern sea of Mindanao and is expected to affect parts of Luzon and Visayas in the coming days.
As of 4 a.m., its center was located 855 kilometers east of northern Mindanao. It was packing winds of up to 65 kph near the center and gustos of up to 80 kph, while moving west-southwestward at 20 kph. According to PAGASA, strong winds are extending up to 400 km from the center.
No wind signal has been raised this morning but Signal No. 1 is possible to be raised this afternoon in Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Bicol Region. It is possible to reach Signal No. 3, the highest warning because it could further strengthen into a severe tropical storm.
Heavy rains are possible starting Thursday, September 25, and may cause storm surge over the low-lying coasts of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas. Habagat is also expected to bring strong winds to Luzon, Western Visayas, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.
On Friday, September 26, Opong is expected to hit the Bicol Region and cross Southern Luzon until Saturday morning. It is possible to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday night or Sunday morning.
