Manila, Sept. 23 -- Tropical Depression Opong maintained its strength while moving over the Philippine Sea.

In its 11 p.m. weather bulletin Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Opong was last spotted 980 km. east of northeastern Mindanao.

Opong packs maximum sustained winds of 55 km. per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph. It is moving west southwest at 15 kph.

No tropical cyclone wind signal is currently hoisted. Opong is expected to bring heavy rains starting Thursday.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 will be hoisted over Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region as early as Wednesday. Opong is seen to reach severe tropical storm category and en...