Severe Tropical Storm Opong Escalates in Luzon and Visayas, Raising Warnings and Impacting Tourism in Philippines: Latest Updates

The Philippines is on heightened alert as Severe Tropical Storm Opong continues to strengthen while moving west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 2 warnings in additional areas across Luzon and Visayas, signaling increasing risks from strong winds and adverse weather. Meanwhile, many other provinces, including Metro Manila, remain under Signal No. 1, the first level of tropical cyclone warning, as Opong advances towards the Bicol region. These developments carry significant implications for local communities, travelers, and the tourism sector in the archipelago.

Expanded Areas under Signal No. 2: Increased Risk Zones

In Luzon, Signal No. 2 has been raised for the provinces of:

• Catanduanes
• Southern Albay municipalities including Santo Domingo, Legazpi City, Camalig, Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, Daraga, Jovellar, and Manito
• Sorsogon

In Visayas, the warning extends to:

• Northern Samar
• Northern and central parts of Eastern Samar, covering Can-Avid, Maslog, San Policarpo, Taft, Dolores, Jipapad, Oras, Arteche, Sulat, and San Julian
• Northern and central portions of Samar including San Jorge, San Sebastian, Villareal, Zumarraga, and other communities

Signal No. 1 Warnings Cover Wide Regions, Including Metro Manila

Remaining under Signal No. 1 are key provinces and urban centers such as:

• Metro Manila
• Albay (excluding southern areas), Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands), Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Marinduque, Romblon
• Oriental and Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Islands)
• Quezon (including Polillo Islands), Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Aurora
• Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan
• Central and southern Isabela municipalities (Alicia, San Mateo, Aurora, Ramon, and others)
• Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, southwestern Mountain Province (Bauko, Sabangan, Tadian), Benguet
• Southern Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan
• Remaining parts of Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte
• Northern portions of Cebu, including Camotes and Bantayan Islands
• Northern Negros Occidental and Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and parts of Antique including Caluya and Calamian Islands

Movement and Strength of Opong

Traveling at approximately twenty kilometers per hour, Opong was located about four hundred forty kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar at the latest report. It carries maximum sustained winds of one hundred ten kph, with gusts reaching up to one hundred thirty-five kph. PAGASA forecasts its landfall over the Bicol region by Friday afternoon or evening, with the cyclone continuing to cross Southern Luzon the same day.

Opong is expected to intensify further over the warm Philippine Sea, possibly upgrading to a typhoon before making landfall. It is projected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday afternoon or evening.

Tourism Sector and Safety Implications

The heightened warnings signal imminent disruptions particularly in areas heavily reliant on tourism such as Bicol and Visayas. Coastal resorts, island destinations, and nature tourism activities face potential temporary closures and safety restrictions. Visitors and tourism operators are urged to monitor local advisories closely, secure accommodations, and contingency arrangements for cancellations or travel delays.

Additionally, strong winds and heavy rains pose risks to outdoor tourist sites and transportation networks including ferries and small boats, devices heavily used in the archipelago’s dynamic tourism scene.

Preparing Communities and Travelers for Severe Weather

In response to the escalating threat, local government units and disaster risk management offices have mobilized resources, prioritizing evacuation plans and logistical support to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Tourists currently in affected regions are advised to follow safety protocols, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated with announcements from official sources including the Department of Tourism and PAGASA.

Outlook and Ongoing Monitoring

PAGASA continues to issue regular weather updates, with the next advisory expected early Friday. Authorities maintain that the highest warning level Opong might reach is Signal No. 4, depending on storm intensity.

As the storm approaches, daily reassessments of signals and preparedness measures will guide response efforts aimed at protecting lives, tourism assets, and local economies.

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