Wind signals may be raised over E. Visayas, Bicol on Sept. 24 due to 'Opong'
PAGASA
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday evening, Sept. 23 said tropical cyclone wind signals may be hoisted over Eastern Visayas and Bicol region as early as Wednesday, Sept. 24, due to the approaching Tropical Depression Opong.
In its 11 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Signal No. 1 may be raised over the two regions by Wednesday, while the highest possible warning that could be issued during Opong’s passage is Signal No. 3, as the system may intensify into a severe tropical storm.
As of 10 p.m., the center of Opong was located 980 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
PAGASA said Opong may bring heavy rains beginning Thursday, Sept. 25, particularly over Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon.
It added that the tropical depression may make landfall over Bicol region by Friday, Sept. 26, before crossing Southern Luzon until Saturday morning, Sept. 27.
PAGASA said the cyclone may leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday evening or Sunday morning, Sept. 28.