Manila: Severe Tropical Storm Opong, known internationally as Bualoi, has now traversed the Mindoro Strait, as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its 5 p.m. bulletin on Friday. The storm has maintained its intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching up to 150 kph.

According to Philippines News Agency, Wind Signal No. 3 has been issued for Occidental Mindoro and the Calamian Islands. Signal No. 2 affects the southern part of Cavite, Batangas, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, the western portion of Romblon, Cuyo Islands, the extreme northern part of mainland Palawan, and Caluya Islands. Signal No. 1 is in effect for several areas, including Pangasinan, parts of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and others in Luzon and Visayas.

PAGASA has also issued a gale warning for the seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Northern Luzon, and the western seaboard of Visayas. There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak heights predicted to reach between one to three meters over coastal regions including Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and several other provinces.

Opong is expected to move towards the West Philippine Sea on Friday night and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday.