PAGASA raises Signal 2 in parts of Visayas as Opong approaches

Metro Manila, Philippines – The state weather bureau raised Signal No. 2 in some areas in Visayas as “Opong” (international name: Bualoi) intensified into a severe tropical storm and barrels into land mass on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 24.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed Northern Samar and the north of Eastern Samar under Signal No. 2

PAGASA raised Signal No. 1 in the following:
Luzon: Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate
Visayas: Samar, the rest of Eastern Samar, Biliran, and the northern portion of Leyte
The Office of Civil Defense has warned of possible storm surge of up to three-meter-high waves in Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Northern Samar, and Sorsogon.
PAGASA said “Opong” may reach typhoon category before hitting land in Bicol on Friday morning or afternoon and cross southern Luzon and affect Metro Manila.
It may slightly weaken over land but will remain as a typhoon or severe tropical storm then re-intensify over the West Philippine Sea.
“Opong” was last seen 670 kilometers (km) east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, packing maximum sustained winds of 95 km per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.