Super Typhoon Leon Update: Batanes Faces Intense Winds as Leon Moves Toward Taiwan

Super Typhoon Leon (internationally known as Kong-Rey) continues its northwestward path, now located approximately 110 km north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. With sustained winds reaching 195 km/h and gusts of up to 240 km/h, Leon remains a formidable threat to areas within its reach. The typhoon’s intense winds extend up to 600 km from the center, posing significant risks for northern Luzon and nearby regions.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals in Effect:

• TCWS No. 4 (Typhoon-force winds): Batanes
  • Impact: Severe threat to life and property, with extreme winds expected.
• TCWS No. 3 (Storm-force winds): Northern Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island)
  • Impact: Moderate to significant risk of wind-related damage.
• TCWS No. 2 (Gale-force winds): Rest of Babuyan Islands, northern mainland Cagayan (including areas like Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, and Aparri), northern Apayao, and northern Ilocos Norte.
  • Impact: Minor to moderate wind impacts expected.
• TCWS No. 1 (Strong winds): Rest of Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, northern Benguet, and Ilocos Sur.
  • Impact: Minimal wind damage anticipated.

Other Hazards Affecting Land and Coastal Areas

Heavy Rainfall is expected in northern Luzon; refer to Weather Advisory No. 16 for detailed information on rainfall forecasts.

Severe Winds across the impacted areas may vary in strength depending on wind signal levels. In addition, gusty conditions are expected today across Bataan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Northern Samar, and Western Visayas.

Coastal Inundation poses a high risk in low-lying coastal areas of Batanes and Babuyan Islands, with storm surges potentially reaching over 3 meters above normal tide levels.

Hazardous Sea Conditions:

• Very rough to high seas with wave heights up to 14.0 meters are forecast along Batanes’ seaboards, up to 12.0 meters around Babuyan Islands, and up to 10.0 meters in northeastern Cagayan.
• Rough to very rough seas affect the seaboards of Ilocos Norte, Aurora, and parts of Catanduanes, Northern Samar, and Quezon.
• Mariners are strongly advised to stay in port or seek safe harbor until the sea conditions improve.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Leon is forecast to continue moving northwestward toward Taiwan, with a potential landfall along Taiwan’s eastern coast later today. The super typhoon is expected to weaken into a typhoon before reaching Taiwan due to its interaction with the island’s mountainous terrain. After passing Taiwan, Leon will likely exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Given the severity of the storm, residents in affected areas should remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders, and stay updated through local advisories.