β’ IT must be emphasized that heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone. Refer to the hoisted Wind Signals (for direct wind threat of the tropical cyclone) and βOther Hazards affecting Land Areasβ for more details. Furthermore, the track may still shift more to the north or to the south but within the limit of the forecast confidence cone.
β’ OPONG is forecast to begin moving west northwestward while approaching Eastern Visayas β Southern Luzon area. On the forecast track, OPONG may make landfall over Bicol Region by Friday (26 September) afternoon and cross Southern Luzon throughout Friday. Afterwards, it will continue moving generally west northwestward over the West Philippine Sea and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday (27 September) afternoon or evening.
β’ OPONG will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach typhoon category before making landfall over Bicol Region. It will then weaken as it crosses the archipelago, although it will likely remain as a typhoon or severe tropical storm during the passage. Re-intensification is highly likely once OPONG emerges over the West Philippine Sea.
Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
For heavy rainfall warnings, thunderstorm/rainfall advisories, and other severe weather information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local PAGASA Regional Services Division.
The next tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued at 5:00 AM, September 25, Thursday.
[Source: DOST-PAG-ASA]
