Manila: A huge part of the country will experience rains and strong winds due to Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi), the weather bureau said in its 5 p.m. bulletin on Thursday. Opong was last tracked 195 km east northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, or 225 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. It maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 km per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph.
According to Philippines News Agency, storm-force winds will be experienced in areas where Signal No. 3 is hoisted, including Sorsogon, the northern portion of Masbate, Northern Samar, and the northern portions of Eastern Samar and Samar. Signal No. 2 is in effect in various areas such as the eastern portion of Batangas, southern portion of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and several other regions, with gale-force winds expected. Strong winds are forecast in regions under Signal No. 1, which include parts of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and several other provinces.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts stormy conditions across the Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Marinduque, Romblon, and Quezon. Rains with gusty winds are anticipated in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and other areas, while occasional rains will affect the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and other regions.
Moderate to heavy rains in these areas could result in flash floods and landslides. Opong is expected to make landfall over Northern Samar or the northern portion of Eastern Samar early Friday before heading towards the Bicol Region, where it may make another landfall in Sorsogon. PAGASA weather services chief Chris Perez indicated that Opong could potentially impact the northern part of Samar, parts of the Bicol Region, southern Quezon, Marinduque, Laguna, and Batangas.
A gale warning is in effect over the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon and Visayas. PAGASA has also warned of a high risk of life-threatening storm surge, with peak heights exceeding three meters within 36 hours, over low-lying or exposed coastal localities, including Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and other regions.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reported that four domestic flights of Philippine Airlines were canceled due to the inclement weather. AirAsia Philippines also announced the cancellation of four domestic flights on Thursday afternoon.
