Tropical Depression Opong enters PAR

Tropical Depression Opong has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Current Status

As of 4:00 PM, the center of Tropical DepressionOpong was located at 1,045 km east of Northeastern Mindanao (10.4°N, 135.0°E). It has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, gusts of up to 70 km/h, and a central pressure of 1004 hPa. It is moving west southwestward at 10 km/h. Strong winds extend outward up to 360 km from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

No Wind Signal currently in effect.

Heavy Rainfall Outlook

Opong is less likely to directly affect the weather condition of the country in the next 36 hours. Heavy rains may begin affecting parts of the country starting Thursday, September 25.

Severe Winds

• Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region as early as tomorrow, September 24.
• The highest possible signal throughout its passage is Signal No. 3, as Opong may reach severe tropical storm category.

The Southwest Monsoon and possible Easterlies, enhanced by both Nando and Opong, will bring strong to gale-force gusts:

• September 24: Most of Luzon, Western Visayas, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands
• September 25: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Palawan, Siquijor, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental
• September 26: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Siquijor, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao Region

Coastal Waters

Moderate to rough seas may develop over the coastal waters of Eastern Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao starting Thursday afternoon. Gale conditions may be experienced over Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region also by Thursday afternoon.

Coastal Inundation

There is potential risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge in low-lying coastal areas of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas during the passage of Opong.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Opong is forecast to move southwestward in the next 24 hours before turning westward to west northwestward toward the Eastern Visayas–Southern Luzon area.
• On the forecast track, Opong may pass close to or make landfall over Northern Samar by early Friday, September 26, and cross Southern Luzon until late Friday or early Saturday, September 27.
• Opong will likely intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm category by Thursday, September 25. Further intensification after crossing the landmass is possible.

Advisory

The public and disaster risk reduction offices are advised to take precautionary measures and monitor official bulletins. Residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas should prepare for possible evacuation.

The next tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued at 11:00 PM today.