Super Typhoon Nando exits PAR, TD 'Opong' to enter Tuesday

Metro Manila, Philippines - Super Typhoon “Nando” has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday, Sept. 23, after barrelling northern Luzon, while a new tropical depression is likely to enter the country’s weather monitoring zone within the day.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Nando” exited PAR at 8 a.m. However, the bureau said strong winds brought by the super typhoon may still persist, raising Signal No. 2 in four areas:

+ the western portion of Babuyan Islands

+ the northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan

+ the northern portion of Apayao

+ Ilocos Norte

The lowest storm alert also remains over ten areas, namely, Batanes, the rest of Babuyan Islands, the rest of mainland Cagayan, the northern portion of Isabela, the rest of Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the northwestern portion of Pangasinan.

According to PAGASA, wind signals will likely be lifted on Tuesday.

PAGASA said "Nando" with international name Ragasa continues to maintain its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 230 kph. It is moving west northwestward at 20 kph.

Tropical depression “Opong”

Meanwhile, PAGASA said tropical depression “Opong” will enter PAR on Tuesday afternoon or evening.

“Opong” is expected to intensify and may become a tropical storm by Wednesday, Sept. 24.

The tropical depression is less likely to affect the weather in the next 36 hours, the weather bureau said.

NewsWatch Plus intern Kirstien Santos contributed to this report.