'Opong' now a storm, Signal No. 1 up soon as it nears land

MANILA, Philippines, September 24 ------ Cyclone "Opong" (international name: Bualoi) has intensified intro a tropical storm on Wednesday morning, September 24, as it moves across the Philippine Sea. It is expected to affect parts of the Luzon and Visayas in the coming days, state weather bureau PAGASA reported.

At 4 a.m., Opong’s center at 855 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, carrying maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near (kph) the center and gusts of up to 80 kph. It was moving west-southwest at 20 kph. PAGASA said gale-force winds extend outward up to 400 km from the storm’s center.

No tropical cyclone wind signals were hoisted as of early Wednesday. But Signal No. 1 may be raised later in the day over northeastern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region. The highest possible wind signal during Opong’s passage is Signal No. 3, as the system could intensify into a severe tropical storm, PAGASA added.

Rain, storm surge threats. Heavy rains from Opong are possible starting Thursday, September 25. Storm surge warnings may be issued as early as today or Thursday for low-lying coastal areas of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas. The enhanced southwest monsoon, or "habagat," will also bring gusty conditions across most of Luzon, Western Visayas, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands today.

Sea conditions. Moderate to rough seas may develop over the coastal waters of Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and northeastern Mindanao starting Thursday afternoon. PAGASA said gale warnings may be raised over Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region. PAGASA urged residents and local officials to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surge, and to monitor succeeding advisories.

Opong is forecast to move west-northwest, approach the Eastern Visayas–Southern Luzon area, and may make landfall in the Bicol Region by Friday afternoon, September 26. It is expected to cross Southern Luzon into Saturday morning before possibly leaving the Philippine area of responsibility by late Saturday or early Sunday. The storm may continue intensifying and could reach severe tropical storm strength by Thursday night.

Source: philstar.com