Manila: Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) has intensified, now packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness reaching up to 135 kph, according to the weather bureau. The storm was last tracked 440 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a warning that gale-force winds will affect areas under Signal No. 2, including Catanduanes, the southern portion of Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, and parts of Eastern and Western Samar. Additionally, areas under Signal No. 1, such as the rest of Albay, Masbate, and several other provinces, will experience strong winds.

The southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat," is expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts across various regions, including the Ilocos Region, Batanes, Cagayan, and parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. PAGASA has also warned of a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak heights reaching 1 to 3 meters within the next 48 hours in coastal areas of Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, and other regions.

The storm's heavy rains are forecasted to hit the Bicol Region, which could potentially trigger lahar flows around Mayon Volcano. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued an advisory urging residents and local government units to remain vigilant and monitor the weather closely. Phivolcs identified several channels, including Miisi and Mabinit, that could be affected by these volcanic sediment flows.