Super Typhoon Leon continues to move closer to Batanes

Super Typhoon Leon has intensified further and continues to move closer to Batanes, bringing a severe threat of powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening storm surges. The system is expected to reach peak intensity as it nears Batanes and the eastern coast of Taiwan. Residents in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow all safety precautions.

Location and Intensity

• Location: 215 km East Southeast of Basco, Batanes
• Movement: Northwest at 20 km/h
• Maximum Winds: 185 km/h near the center, gusts up to 230 km/h

Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS)

TCWS No. 4

Typhoon-force winds (118 to 184 km/h) posing a significant to severe threat:

• Luzon:
  • Batanes

TCWS No. 3

Strong winds (89 to 117 km/h) posing moderate to significant threats:

• Luzon:
  • Eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Is., Camiguin Is., Calayan Is.)
  • Northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana)

TCWS No. 2

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

• Luzon:
  • Rest of Babuyan Islands
  • Rest of mainland Cagayan
  • Northern Isabela (Santo Tomas, Santa Maria, Quezon, Delfin Albano, San Pablo, Ilagan City, Tumauini, Cabagan, Palanan, Quirino, Divilacan, Mallig, Maconacon, Gamu, Burgos, Roxas, San Mariano, Reina Mercedes, San Manuel, Naguilian, Benito Soliven)
  • Apayao
  • Kalinga
  • Northern and eastern Abra (Tineg, Lacub, Malibcong, Lagayan, San Juan, Lagangilang, Licuan-Baay, Daguioman)
  • Eastern Mountain Province (Paracelis)
  • Ilocos Norte

TCWS No. 1

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

• Luzon:
  • Rest of Isabela
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Rest of Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Benguet
  • Rest of Abra
  • Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Pangasinan
  • Nueva Ecija
  • Aurora
  • Northeastern Tarlac (Camiling, San Clemente, Paniqui, Moncada, Anao, San Manuel, Pura, Ramos, Victoria, Gerona, Santa Ignacia, City of Tarlac, La Paz)

Additional Hazards

• Heavy Rainfall: For specific details, refer to Weather Advisory No. 11.
• Severe Winds: Typhoon-force winds are expected in Batanes, with potential moderate to significant impacts from strong to gale-force winds in surrounding areas.
• Storm Surge: Coastal flooding with storm surges up to 3.0 meters above normal tide levels is expected in Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
• Sea Conditions: Extremely rough seas are anticipated, with waves up to 14 meters in Batanes and 10 meters in Babuyan Islands. All sea travel is highly discouraged.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Leon is expected to approach Batanes closely tonight and early tomorrow, with a possible landfall on the eastern coast of Taiwan by late Thursday (31 October). A second landfall in mainland China is possible after exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by early Friday (1 November). Gradual weakening is anticipated following Taiwan landfall.

Residents in affected areas should continue monitoring updates and heed evacuation orders and safety instructions. The next bulletin will be issued at 8:00 PM.