Bagyong Leon Intensifies as it Nears Northern Philippines
BAGYONG LEON – The typhoon, internationally known as Kong-Rey, has intensified as it moves west-northwestward across the Philippine Sea.
As of 4:00 AM today, the typhoon’s center was approximately 395 km east of Calayan, Cagayan. Leon is now packing maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 205 km/h, and is currently moving at 15 km/h.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals for several regions in Luzon. The strongest alert, Signal No. 3, applies to Batanes and the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands, where winds ranging from 89 to 117 km/h pose moderate to significant risks to life and property. Signal No. 2 covers the rest of the Babuyan Islands, parts of Cagayan, and northern and eastern sections of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, and Abra, warning of gale-force winds from 62 to 88 km/h with minor to moderate potential impacts. Signal No. 1 extends to parts of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and nearby provinces, with winds of 39 to 61 km/h and minimal risks expected.
Leon’s passage is likely to bring severe rains, particularly in areas under Wind Signal No. 3. The possibility of storm surges of 2.0 to 3.0 meters is high, especially along the coastal regions of Batanes, Cagayan, and Babuyan Islands. Gale warnings have been issued, advising against sea travel in the northern and eastern coasts of Luzon due to very rough seas reaching up to 12 meters in Batanes.
Bagyong Leon is expected to continue moving northwest and make landfall along Taiwan’s eastern coast by October 31. As it reaches its peak intensity, it may even become a super typhoon as it nears Batanes, with landfall possible. The typhoon is projected to move north-northwest, possibly making a second landfall in China.
PAGASA advises those in high-risk areas to monitor the latest updates and follow local authorities’ safety instructions. The next advisory is scheduled for 11:00 AM.