Severe Tropical Storm Opong now over the West Philippine Sea

Severe Tropical StormOpong is now over the West Philippine Sea as it continues to move west northwestward. The storm maintains its strength and continues to affect several parts of Luzon and Visayas.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Location of Center (7:00 PM): 215 km West of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro (13.5°N, 119.2°E)
• Intensity: Maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 135 km/h, and central pressure of 985 hPa
• Present Movement: West northwestward at 30 km/h
• Extent of Winds: Strong to storm-force winds extend outwards up to 400 km from the center
• Opong may re-intensify into a Typhoon within the next 12 hours while over the West Philippine Sea. The system is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by tomorrow, 27 September.

Hazards Affecting Land Areas

• Heavy Rainfall Outlook: Heavy rains are expected as the Southwest Monsoon is enhanced by Opong. This may bring flooding and possible landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.
• Severe Winds:
  • Moderate to significant impacts possible in Signal No. 2 areas
  • Minimal to minor impacts possible in Signal No. 1 areas
• Monsoon Gusts: Strong to gale-force gusts may affect Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao even in areas not under wind signals.

Severe Winds (Areas Under TCWS)

TCWS No. 2 – Gale-force winds

• Occidental Mindoro
• Western portion of Batangas (Nasugbu, Tuy, Balayan, Lian, Calatagan, Calaca)
• Calamian Islands

TCWS No. 1 – Strong winds

• Pangasinan
• Southern portion of Aurora (Dingalan, Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis)
• Nueva Ecija
• Tarlac
• Zambales
• Bataan
• Pampanga
• Bulacan
• Metro Manila
• Rizal
• Cavite
• Laguna
• Rest of Batangas
• Quezon
• Western portion of Camarines Norte
• Marinduque
• Romblon
• Oriental Mindoro
• Northern portion of Palawan including Cuyo Islands (Dumaran, San Vicente, Roxas, Taytay, Araceli, El Nido)
• Aklan
• Northern portion of Antique (Patnongon, Barbaza, Pandan, San Jose, Bugasong, Culasi, Sebaste, Tibiao, Belison, Laua-An, Libertad) including Caluya Islands
• Western portion of Capiz (Sapi-An, Tapaz, Mambusao, Jamindan)

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

• Very rough to high seas up to 9.0 m over seaboards of Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Island
• Rough to very rough seas over Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Calamian Islands, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Catanduanes, and surrounding waters
• Sea travel is risky for all vessels, especially small seacrafts

Advisory

Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautionary measures, remain alert for flooding and landslides, and follow safety instructions from local authorities. Mariners are advised to remain in port until sea conditions improve.