The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Tuesday that Severe Tropical Storm Leon (international codename Kong-Rey) has gained strength and may soon develop into a typhoon. As of 4 AM, the storm's center was estimated to be 645 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
Packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 135 kph, Leon is expected to reach typhoon category within the next 12 hours. Furthermore, there's a growing possibility that the storm may intensify into a super typhoon as it approaches Batanes.
Leon is moving west-northwest at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour and is projected to make landfall along Taiwan's eastern coast on Thursday afternoon or evening. However, PAGASA warns that the storm's track may shift further westward, potentially bringing it closer to or directly impacting Batanes.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is currently in effect for the following areas:
Luzon:
- Batanes
- Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
- Isabela
- Quirino
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Apayao
- Kalinga
- Abra
- Mountain Province
- Ifugao
- Benguet
- Ilocos Norte
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Aurora
- Northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real)
- Camarines Norte
- Eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, Lagonoy, San Jose, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Presentacion, Tigaon, Calabanga, Saglay)
- Catanduanes
- Eastern portion of Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, City of Tabaco, Tiwi, Malilipot, Malinao, Santo Domingo, Manito)
- Northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon, Gubat)
Visayas:
- Eastern portion of Northern Samar (San Roque, Pambujan, Catubig, Laoang, Palapag, Gamay, Lapinig, Mapanas, Mondragon)
- Northern portion of Eastern Samar (Jipapad, Arteche, Oras, San Policarpo)
Severe Weather Impacts:
- Intense to Torrential Rains: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Cagayan are expected to experience intense to torrential rainfall, leading to potential flooding and landslides.
- Strong Winds: Strong winds may cause damage to structures and power lines.
- Moderate to Intense Rains: Parts of Northern Luzon, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and Negros may also experience moderate to intense rainfall.
Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor weather updates closely and take necessary precautions, such as securing loose objects, avoiding coastal areas, and preparing for potential evacuations.
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