As of 10:00 AM, the center of Super Typhoon Leon is positioned approximately 350 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan. Now classified as a super typhoon, Leon poses significant threats to the extreme northern Luzon areas, particularly Batanes and parts of Cagayan and Isabela. PAGASA reports that Leon is carrying maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 230 km/h, and a central pressure recorded at 925 hPa. The typhoon continues to move west-northwestward at 10 km/h, with strong winds extending up to 600 kilometers from the center.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals in Effect
PAGASA has issued varying wind signals over Northern Luzon to alert residents of the approaching dangers.
- Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3:
Areas affected: Batanes, eastern Babuyan Islands, and northeastern mainland Cagayan (including Santa Ana).
Expected winds: Strong winds with speeds between 89 and 117 km/h.
Potential impacts: Moderate to significant damage to structures, trees, and crops. Precautions are advised for possible interruptions to utilities and potential danger to life and property. - TCWS No. 2:
Areas affected: Remaining areas of Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, parts of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, northern and eastern Abra, eastern Mountain Province, and Ilocos Norte.
Expected winds: Gale-force winds with speeds between 62 and 88 km/h.
Potential impacts: Minor to moderate damage, particularly to weaker structures, and possible interruptions in power and communication lines. - TCWS No. 1:
Areas affected: Remaining areas of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Mountain Province, and surrounding areas including Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, parts of Tarlac, Bulacan, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and northern Catanduanes.
Expected winds: Strong winds with speeds between 39 and 61 km/h.
Potential impacts: Minimal to minor damage to structures and crops; some risk to small watercraft.
Expected Wind and Rain Impacts
PAGASA advises residents in affected areas to prepare for hazardous winds, especially in coastal and mountainous regions. Wind Signal No. 4 may be raised later over Batanes, with potentially destructive winds expected. If Leon shifts slightly westward, the agency does not rule out the possibility of raising Wind Signal No. 5.
- Severe Winds: Areas under Wind Signal No. 3 should expect moderate to significant impacts on life and property, with minor to moderate impacts expected in areas under Wind Signal No. 2.
- Heavy Rainfall: Refer to PAGASA’s Weather Advisory No. 9 issued at 11:00 AM for further details. The typhoon’s circulation is expected to bring heavy rains and possible flooding in vulnerable areas.
- Gusty Conditions: Areas in Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA will experience gusty winds today, especially in coastal areas.
Coastal Hazards and Sea Conditions
PAGASA warns of life-threatening storm surges in low-lying areas within Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Waves may reach up to 3.0 meters above normal tide levels, posing a high risk to those in coastal regions.
- Gale Warnings: Gale warnings are in effect for the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern coasts of Central and Southern Luzon. Mariners and residents are advised to avoid sea travel, with very rough seas expected in areas close to the typhoon’s path.
- Sea Conditions: Expected wave heights include:
- Up to 12.0 meters for Batanes’ seaboards
- Up to 10.0 meters for the Babuyan Islands and northeastern Cagayan
- Up to 8.0 meters for the eastern seaboard of Cagayan, and lesser but significant heights for nearby areas.
All sea vessels are advised to remain in a safe harbor until conditions improve.
Track and Forecast
Leon is projected to continue moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea, with a potential landfall along Taiwan’s eastern coast tomorrow afternoon, October 31. The typhoon’s passage over Taiwan may weaken it before it reaches the East China Sea and eventually exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday morning, November 1. A second landfall in mainland China remains possible.
Batanes will experience Leon’s closest approach tonight into tomorrow morning, and residents are advised to be on high alert. Leon’s intensity is expected to peak during this period before gradually weakening after making landfall over Taiwan.
Safety Precautions
Authorities urge those in affected areas to prepare for evacuation if necessary, secure loose outdoor items, and monitor updates. Local government units are mobilizing resources for potential evacuations and immediate response to any emergencies caused by severe winds and flooding.
Residents should stay informed through official PAGASA advisories and prepare for additional disruptions, particularly in transportation and communication services.