Severe Tropical Storm Opong makes 4 landfalls, eyes Mindoro

Severe Tropical Storm Opong made its first landfall in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, and its second in Palanas, Masbate.

It made its third and fourth landfalls in Romblon, specifically in San Fernando, Sibuyan Island, and Alcantara, Tablas Island.

As of 10 am Friday, Opong had maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h and gusts of up to 150 kph, moving westward at 35 km/h.

The storm was previously a typhoon but was downgraded before hitting Masbate.

Opong is forecast to make a potential fifth landfall over southern Mindoro between 12-2 p.m. Friday and exit the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday morning.

PAGASA forecasts that Opong will likely remain a severe tropical storm until it emerges over the Mindoro Strait, with re-intensification highly likely over the West Philippine Sea.

Areas including Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Romblon are expected to experience more than 200 mm of rainfall, while Palawan, Quezon, Laguna, Batangas, Masbate, Biliran, Marinduque, Aklan, Antique, and Capiz may receive up to 100-200 mm.