Leon Intensifies into a Typhoon over the waters East of Cagayan

Typhoon Leon has intensified significantly over the Philippine Sea, now categorized as a full typhoon. Positioned east of Cagayan, Leon is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous coastal conditions to Northern Luzon in the coming days. As Leon continues to move west-northwestward, areas in its projected path, especially Batanes and Babuyan Islands, should prepare for possible severe impacts, including gale-force to typhoon-force winds, as the storm nears. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as Leon could strengthen further, potentially reaching super typhoon status during its closest approach.

Location and Intensity

• Location: 555 km East of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• Movement: West-northwest at 10 km/h
• Maximum Winds: 130 km/h near the center, gusts up to 160 km/h

Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS)

TCWS No. 2

Gale-force winds (62 to 88 km/h) posing minor to moderate threats:

• Luzon:
  • Batanes
  • Babuyan Islands
  • Eastern Cagayan (Gattaran, Baggao, Lal-Lo, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, Santa Ana)
  • Northeastern Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon)

TCWS No. 1

Strong winds (39 to 61 km/h) with minimal to minor impacts:

• Luzon:
  • Rest of Cagayan
  • Rest of Isabela
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Apayao
  • Kalinga
  • Abra
  • Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Benguet
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Aurora
  • Northern Quezon including Polillo Islands (General Nakar, Infanta, Real)
  • Camarines Norte
  • Eastern Camarines Sur (Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, Lagonoy, San Jose, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Presentacion, Tigaon, Calabanga, Saglay)
  • Catanduanes
  • Eastern Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, Tabaco City, Tiwi, Malilipot, Malinao, Santo Domingo, Manito)
  • Northeastern Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon City, Gubat)

Additional Hazards

• Heavy Rainfall: Refer to Weather Advisory No. 5 for specific rainfall impacts.
• Severe Winds: Areas under Wind Signal No. 2 should brace for gale-force winds, while strong winds are expected under Wind Signal No. 1. Batanes and Babuyan Islands may see higher Wind Signals (up to No. 4), with Signal No. 5 not ruled out.
• Coastal Waters: Gale warnings are in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and eastern Central and Southern Luzon. Very rough seas are expected, with waves up to 10 meters in Batanes and Babuyan Islands, making sea travel extremely risky.

Outlook

Leon is forecast to move west-northwest, approaching Batanes closely on Thursday (31 October). Further intensification is expected, with the potential to reach super typhoon strength near Taiwan and Batanes. Leon will likely exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by early Friday.

Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant, monitor local advisories, and follow evacuation orders if necessary. The next update will be issued at 5:00 PM.