Tropical Storm Bualoi (Opong) forecast to make landfall in Bicol on September 26
Tropical Storm Bualoi, known in the Philippines as Opong, intensified over the Philippine Sea on September 24, 2025, moving west-northwest at 20 km/h (12 mph) with winds of 95 km/h (59 mph) and gusts up to 115 km/h (71 mph). PAGASA forecasts landfall in the Bicol Region on September 26, with warnings issued for heavy rainfall, flooding, and storm surge of up to 3 m (10 feet) along eastern coastal provinces.
Satellite image of Tropical Storm Bualoi at 16:50 UTC on September 24, 2025. Credit: JMA/Himawari-9, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
At 17:00 LT (09:00 UTC) on September 24, the center of Bualoi was located about 670 km (416 miles) east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. The system has strengthened into a severe tropical storm while moving toward the eastern Philippines.
The system will continue on a west-northwest track and intensify into a typhoon while approaching Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region in the next 24 to 36 hours, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The storm is expected to make landfall in Bicol on Friday morning or afternoon (local time), September 26. After crossing Southern Luzon, the Bualoi is likely to emerge over the West Philippine Sea, where re-intensification is likely.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No.2 has been raised in parts of Samar due to potential gale-force winds. TCWS No.1 is in effect over other areas in Eastern Visayas and Bicol.
The highest possible wind signal during the storm’s passage may reach TCWS No.4, depending on further intensification.
Heavy rainfall is forecast across Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and parts of Southern Luzon. Flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in mountainous areas and river basins.
Storm surge of 1–3 m (3–10 feet) is possible along low-lying coastal areas of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran. Residents in these areas have been advised to evacuate if necessary and to follow local government instructions.
Sea travel is risky due to rough to very rough seas along the eastern seaboards of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Catanduanes, Dinagat, and Davao Oriental, with wave heights of up to 3 m (10 feet). Small vessels and boats have been advised to stay in port.
Forecast positions place Bualoi east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, early on September 25, then near the coast of Sorsogon by early September 26, before crossing Quezon province later that day. By September 27, the system is expected to be west of Central Luzon, moving out toward the West Philippine Sea and toward Hainan, China and Vietnam.
References:
1 Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #5 – PAGASA – September 24, 2025
2 Prognostic reasoning for Tropical Storm Bualoi – JTWC – September 24, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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