Signal No. 3 raised as 'Opong' accelerates

Some parts of Samar have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 as Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) maintains its strength while moving closer to the Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon.

- 

Forecast track of state weather bureau PAGASA on Severe Tropical Storm "Opong" as of 2 p.m. PAGASA / RELEASED

As of 2:00 p.m., PAGASA said that Opong is estimated to be at 255 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts up to 135 kph, while moving westward at 15 kph.

Wind signals

Signal No. 3

TCWS No. 3 has been raised over the following areas, where storm-force winds (89 to 117 kph) are expected within 18 hours, posing a moderate to significant threat to life and property:

Northern Samar: Northern and eastern portions (including Gamay, Lapinig, Mapanas, Palapag, Laoang, San Roque, Pambujan, Catubig).

Eastern Samar: Northern portion (including San Policarpo, Arteche, Jipapad, Oras)

Under this signal, considerable roof damage and partial wall failure are possible for houses of poor or average construction, while agricultural crops, like rice and banana plants, face heavy damage.

Signal No. 2

The following areas are placed under TCWS No. 2:

Luzon

Quezon (Southern Portion): Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Calauag, Lopez, San Andres, Mulanay, San Narciso, San Francisco, Buenavista, Catanauan, General Luna, Macalelon

Marinduque (Eastern Portion): Santa Cruz, Torrijos