Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) was downgraded from typhoon status at 2 a.m. Friday, September 26. Just two hours later, at 4 a.m., it made its second landfall in Palanas, Masbate.
Its first landfall happened late Thursday night, September 25, in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar. Despite the downgrade, Opong continues to bring moderate to torrential rain across wide areas of the country.
Storm Status and Wind Signals
As of 5 a.m. Friday, PAGASA reported that Opong was moving west-northwest at 30 km/h after crossing Masbate. The storm now carries maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h, with gustiness reaching 150 km/h.
From Masbate, it will move across the Sibuyan Sea, southern CALABARZON, and northern MIMAROPA before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by late Friday evening or early Saturday morning, September 27. PAGASA noted that while Opong is expected to remain a severe tropical storm while over land, re-intensification is likely once it returns to open waters.
Currently, there are no areas under Signal Number 4, but Opong remains strong. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals Nos. 1 to 3 are still in place.
Storm Surge, Flood, and Landslide Warnings
Storm surges remain possible, particularly along coastal communities in Bicol, Visayas, and southern Luzon. PAGASA warns of waves that may reach up to 3 meters in high-risk provinces, while 1–2 meter surges could impact Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, and nearby areas.
PAGASA weather advisory reports that flooding and landslides are likely in the following areas today until tomorrow, September 27.
- Occidental Mindoro
- Oriental Mindoro
- Romblon
- Palawan
- Quezon
- Laguna
- Batangas
- Masbate
- Biliran
- Marinduque
- Aklan
- Antique
- Capiz
- Metro Manila
- Bataan,
- Cavite, Rizal
- Aurora
- Isabela
- Iloilo
- Northern Samar
- Eastern Samar
- Samar
- Sorsogon
- Albay
- Camarines Sur
Dams and Reservoir Updates
Several dams are releasing water as rainfall intensifies:
- Angat Dam: Nearing critical level, under Flood Watch.
- La Mesa Dam: Below critical level.
- Ipo Dam: One gate open, 40 cms outflow.
- Ambuklao Dam: Two gates open, 157.22 cms outflow.
- Binga Dam: Two gates open, 136.98 cms outflow.
- Magat Dam: Three gates open, 992.67 cms outflow, with downstream communities advised to prepare for possible flooding.
River Basins on Alert
As of 10:43 a.m., PAGASA has placed the following river basins under flood watch due to increased water flow:
- Angat Sub-basin
- Ambuklao-Binga-San Roque Sub-basin
- Magat Sub-basin
- Bicol Major River Basin
- Cagayan Major River Basin
Government Advisories and Hotlines
Authorities continue to urge residents in high-risk areas to follow evacuation orders immediately. People are advised to keep away from rivers, coastal zones, and mountain slopes as rainfall and surges continue.
For urgent help, residents may call these hotlines:Â
- Trunk lines: (02) 8911-5061 to 65 (local 100)Â
- Operations Center: (02) 8911-1406Â
- Additional NDRRMC lines: (02) 8912-2665, (02) 8912-5668, (02) 8911-1873
- National Emergency Hotline: 911
Staying Prepared as Opong Moves West
Severe Tropical Storm Opong is crossing through southern Luzon and is forecast to emerge over the West Philippine Sea by late Friday. While it has weakened from typhoon status, it still poses serious risks of flooding, storm surges, and strong winds. Officials emphasize that vigilance and early safety measures remain the best protection as the storm continues its path.
References
Arceo, A. (n.d.). Opong downgraded to severe tropical storm, makes second landfall in Masbate. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/weather/severe-tropical-storm-opong-southwest-monsoon-update-pagasa-forecast-september-26-2025-5am/
LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Opong and southwest monsoon. (n.d.). Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/weather/tropical-cyclone-opong-forecast-track-wind-signals-rain-habagat-updates-september-2025/
Typhoon Opong makes landfall over Eastern Samar; signal no. 4 up in several areas. (n.d.). ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2025/9/26/wind-signal-no-4-up-in-5-areas-as-opong-intensifies-into-typhoon-0034
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