✕

What we know so far about Severe Tropical Storm Opong

By John Patrick Magno Ranara Published Sep 25, 2025 6:59 pm

It appears that the Philippines has yet to see clear skies as the country is facing another tumultuous weather in Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

Filipinos recently experienced heavy rains and floods brought about by Super Typhoon Nando, which had already left the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the early morning of Sept. 23.

However, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that the country isn't in the clear yet as a tropical depression followed suit and entered the PAR on the same day, which has since strengthened into a tropical storm.

Here’s what we know about Opong so far:

How strong is it?

According to PAGASA's update as of 4 p.m. on Sept. 25, Opong is still being monitored inside the PAR, but they detailed that the storm has maintained its strength while moving westward over the Philippine Sea.

It has maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center, with gustiness of up to 135 kilometers per hour, and and central pressure of 980 hectopascal.

The weather bureau warned that it may bring flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy with at times intense, rains, as well as a minor to moderate threat to life and property due to strong to gale-force winds over the next few days.

The areas affected include the Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Marinduque, Romblon, and Quezon.

For Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and other surrounding areas, they may experience floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains and a minimal to minor threat to life and property due to strong winds.

However, PAGASA said that the southwest monsoon-enhanced storm may bring moderate to high risk surges within the next 36 hours.

This may impact the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Occidental Mindoro, including Lubang Island, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, and Cebu.

Will it become a typhoon?

PAGASA reported that Opong may make landfall over Northern Samar in the early morning of Sept. 26, then the Bicol Region by morning or early afternoon.

The bureau detailed that there is a possibility that it will reach typhoon category before making landfall over the 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," they stated.

Considering these developments, the public as well as disaster management offices 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," PAGASA urged.

Opong is expected to exit the PAR on Sept. 27.

Government work and class suspensions

Malacañang has announced the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces on Sept. 26 "to ensure public safety."

"Agencies responsible for basic, vital, and health services preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational to ensure continuity of essential government functions," the Palace noted.

The suspensions are as follows:

Metro Manila

CALABARZON

  • Cavite – all levels (public and private), until Sept. 27
  • Batangas – all levels (public and private)
  • Quezon – all levels (public and private)
  • Laguna
  • Rizal
    • Binangonan – all levels (public and private), until Sept. 27
    • San Mateo – all levels (public and private), until Sept. 27
    • Cardona – face-to-face classes in all levels (public and private), until Sept. 27
    • Morong – face-to-face classes in all levels (public and private), until Sept. 27
    • Tanay – face-to-face classes in all levels (public and private), until Sept. 27
    • Taytay – face-to-face classes in all levels (public and private), until Sept. 27
    • Baras – face-to-face classes in all levels (public and private)
    • Teresa – face-to-face classes in all levels (public and private)

Bicol

  • Camarines Norte 
    • Labo – all levels (public and private)
    • Talisay – all levels (public and private)
    • Vinzons – all levels (public and private)
  • Masbate – all levels (public and private)