Manila: Severe Tropical Storm Opong, known internationally as Bualoi, is anticipated to potentially make landfall over the southern region of Occidental Mindoro by Friday noon or early afternoon, as reported by the national weather bureau.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its 11 a.m. bulletin stated that Opong was last tracked over the coastal waters of Ferrol, Romblon. The storm is currently exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 110 km per hour and gusts reaching up to 150 km per hour.

Signal No. 3 warnings have been issued for Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, the northern part of Aklan, and Caluya Island. Signal No. 2 warnings cover areas including the southern portion of Zambales, Bataan, parts of Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and parts of Quezon. Regions like the southern portion of Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and others are also under Signal No. 2.

Signal No. 1 is effective in Pangasinan, parts of Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, parts of Aurora, and various other areas, indicating the extensive reach of the storm's potential impact.

The weather bureau has also warned of a significant risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak heights of 1 to 3 meters expected within the next 24 hours in several coastal regions. These include Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Occidental Mindoro, and other regions.

In response to the storm's approach, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has reported the cancellation of 134 flights, with an additional four flights diverted. Cebu Pacific, a local low-cost carrier, has also canceled 46 domestic flights due to the incoming storm.

Opong is expected to move over the Mindoro Strait by Friday night and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday.