The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) may raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 or 4 over Metro Manila and nearby provinces once Severe Tropical Storm Opong draws closer.
“Sa ating latest track, pagsapit ng gabi or hapon pa lamang ng Friday possible na nahahagip na ‘yung Metro Manila ng malalakas na hangin. Mataas ‘yung ating ini-expect na wind signal based sa ating latest track – signal number 3 or signal number 4,” PAGASA weather forecaster Benison Estareja said.
In its 2:00 PM weather bulletin, PAGASA reported that the storm’s heavy rains and winds may first be felt in Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region today, September 25, before reaching Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Aurora, Bulacan, and Pampanga between Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27.
PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando warned residents in affected areas not to underestimate the storm, noting it could still intensify into a typhoon at any time.
“Gusto naming i-emphasize ang dalang hazards nito [Opong]: malalakas na mga pag-ulan, malakas na hangin, magdulot ng mga malawakang pagbaha, landslides, at storm surge… Ito po ‘yung mga hazards na makapaminsala sa ating mga kababayan. Dapat paghandaan,” Servando said.