Possible Signal 4 in Metro Manila, Luzon areas in ‘Opong’ impact - PAGASA

Metro Manila, Philippines - Areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila, should prepare for a Wind Signal No. 4 scenario in the coming days as “Opong” (international name: Bualoi), which is expected to reach typhoon category, hits land.

In a briefing on Wednesday, Sept. 24, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Severe Tropical Storm Opong will cut through parts of Samar, Bicol Region, southern Luzon, Metro Manila, and central Luzon.

“Opong” may intensify into a typhoon before making landfall in Bicol on Friday. The tropical cyclone will exit through the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, according to the forecast track.

PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said “Opong” has a 400-kilometer radius, meaning it could affect many areas as it crosses land.

“Dito sa ating latest track pagsapit ng gabi, or hapon pa lang ng Friday, possible na nahahagip na ang Metro Manila ng malalakas na hangin. At mataas 'yung ine-expect natin na wind signal, based sa ating latest track Signal No. 3 or Signal No. 4,” Estareja said in a briefing.

[Translation: In our latest track, Metro Manila will possibly experience strong winds on Friday afternoon or evening. Based on the latest track, we are expecting Signal No. 3 or Signal No. 4.]

PAGASA said torrential rains may occur in Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar on Thursday.

By Friday, heavy to intense rains may batter Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and other areas such as Aurora, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur.

PAGASA Weather Services chief Juanito Galang said people and authorities in Metro Manila and Calabarzon should prepare for the passage of “Opong.”

“During the past tropical cyclone events, nagiging mas challenging kapag gabi dumadaan ‘yong isang tropical cyclone, kaya ito po dapat ang paghandaan,” Galang said.

[Translation: During the past tropical cyclone events, it became a challenge for communities when tropical cyclones cross landmass by evening. They should prepare for this.]

PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando also warned of possible hazards to be triggered by “Opong” such as massive flooding, landslides, and storm surges.