Typhoon “Leon” Undergoes Rapid Intensification; Some areas now under Signal No. 2

Typhoon Leon has rapidly intensified over the waters east of Cagayan. Packing stronger winds and heavy rains, Leon poses a significant threat to parts of Northern Luzon, with further strengthening expected as it moves closer to land. Communities in its path should prepare for intense weather conditions and potential storm surges along the coast.

Location and Intensity

• Location: 505 km East of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• Movement: West-northwest at 10 km/h
• Maximum Winds: 150 km/h near the center, gusts up to 185 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
  • Mainland Cagayan
  • Northern and eastern Isabela (Santo Tomas, Santa Maria, Quezon, San Mariano, Naguilian, Dinapigue, Delfin Albano, San Pablo, Ilagan City, Benito Soliven, Tumauini, Cabagan, Reina Mercedes, Palanan, Quirino, Divilacan, Gamu, Mallig, Maconacon, Burgos)
  • Apayao
  • Northern Kalinga (City of Tabuk, Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Rizal)
  • Northern Abra (Tineg, Lacub, Malibcong)
  • 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 Kalinga
  • Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Benguet
  • Rest of Abra
  • Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Eastern Nueva Ecija (General Tinio, Gabaldon, Bongabon, Carranglan, Pantabangan, Laur, Rizal)
  • Aurora
  • Northern and eastern Quezon (Infanta, Real, Mauban, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Calauag, General Nakar, Atimonan, Plaridel, Gumaca, Lopez, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan) including Polillo Islands
  • Camarines Norte
  • Camarines Sur
  • Catanduanes
  • Albay
  • Northern Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon, Gubat, Barcelona, Casiguran, Bulusan, Juban, Magallanes, Castilla, Pilar, Donsol)

Additional Hazards

• Heavy Rainfall: For rainfall impacts, refer to Weather Advisory No. 6.
• Severe Winds: Gale-force winds are expected in areas under Wind Signal No. 2, while strong winds are anticipated under Signal No. 1. Batanes and Babuyan Islands may see Wind Signal No. 3 or higher in the coming hours.
• Storm Surge: A moderate to high risk of storm surge (2.0 to 3.0 meters) threatens low-lying coastal areas of Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
• Sea Conditions: Very rough seas with waves up to 10 meters are forecast in the seaboards of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and northeastern Cagayan. Sea travel remains extremely risky.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Typhoon Leon is forecast to move northwest, nearing Batanes by Thursday morning, with landfall in Batanes possible. It is expected to reach or approach super typhoon intensity as it nears Taiwan, exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by early Friday (1 November).

Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant, stay updated, and follow local advisories. The next advisory will be issued at 11:00 PM.