Geline Salac

Article (news)

Opong intensifies into a tropical storm

Ariel Rojas

ABS-CBN News

Opong intensified into a tropical storm and was given the international name Bualoi, weather bureau PAGASA said in a bulletin early Wednesday.Now packing winds of 65 kph and gustiness up to 80 kph, it continues to track west southwestward at 20 kph.At 4 a.m. Wednesday, Opong was spotted 855 km east of northeastern Mindanao.It will intensify up to severe tropical storm strength while moving generally west northwest over the Philippine Sea and make landfall over Bicol on Friday afternoon.The storm will then cross Southern Luzon until Saturday morning and may be out of the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday evening or Sunday morning.Opong may pass south of Manila early Saturday.Wind signals will be hoisted over Caraga, Eastern Visayas, and Bicol within today. Wind signal no. 3 is the highest possible wind warning that will be raised during Opong’s passage.Heavy rains and the enhancement of the southwest monsoon may begin from Thursday.On Friday, areas in Eastern and Western Visayas and Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, may experience significant rainfall, with intense to torrential rains likely in Quezon, Bicol, and Samar.Widespread and serious flooding and landslides are expected in many areas during the passage of Opong.Severe winds and storm surge may also be experienced. The public is advised to continuously monitor updates as the forecast may still change.

Opong intensified into a tropical storm and was given the international name Bualoi, weather bureau PAGASA said in a bulletin early Wednesday.

Opong intensified into a tropical storm and was given the international name Bualoi, weather bureau PAGASA said in a bulletin early Wednesday.