Manila, Sept. 24 -- Tropical cyclone Opong has intensified into a severe tropical storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 p.m. bulletin on Wednesday.

Opong was located 670 km. east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte as of 4 p.m.

Gale-force winds will prevail in areas where Signal No. 2 is hoisted: Northern Samar and the northern portion of Eastern Samar (San Policarpo, Oras, Jipapad, Arteche)

Strong winds will be experienced in areas under Signal No. 1: Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Samar, the rest of Eastern Samar, Biliran, and the northern portion of L...