The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued an advisory for Severe Tropical Storm Leon (international name Kong-Rey), which continues to intensify as it traverses the Philippine Sea. The storm, located approximately 725 km east of Echague, Isabela, as of 4:00 PM today, is on a west-northwest track, moving at 15 km/h with sustained winds of 100 km/h near the center and gusts up to 125 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals
Pagasa has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 across several areas, anticipating strong winds within the next 36 hours, with speeds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h. This signal covers a broad swath of Luzon, specifically:
- Northern and Central Luzon: Batanes, Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands), Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, and Mountain Province.
- Ilocos Region: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union.
- CAR and Quezon areas: Northern portions of Benguet and Quezon, including Polillo Islands.
- Bicol Region and Eastern Seaboard: Parts of Camarines Norte, eastern Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, eastern Albay, and northeastern Sorsogon.
This wind signal indicates minimal to minor threats to life and property, but residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant as wind conditions may vary, especially in elevated or coastal regions.
Rainfall and Wind Conditions
The Severe Tropical Storm Leon is expected to bring gusty conditions and rain over large parts of Luzon and the Visayas. Heavy Rainfall Advisory No. 2 issued by Pagasa details anticipated rainfall across affected regions, particularly in Northern Luzon, which could experience rainfall accumulation capable of triggering localized flash floods and landslides. The public is advised to stay updated on further rainfall advisories, especially for areas vulnerable to landslides and floods.
Stronger winds, categorized as gale-force, will prevail in coastal and elevated regions within the storm’s extended wind zone. Potential impacts include minor infrastructure damage, fallen trees, and disruption in outdoor activities in open areas. If the storm’s intensity increases as projected, Pagasa may elevate the signal level to TCWS No. 3 or even TCWS No. 4, particularly for Northern Luzon. Pagasa has not ruled out the possibility of Wind Signal No. 5 should Leon escalate to super typhoon status.
Forecast Path and Intensity Outlook
Currently moving west-northwest, Leon is projected to turn northwestward by tomorrow and may make landfall along Taiwan’s eastern coast by Thursday, October 31. By Friday, the storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as it shifts northeastward over the East China Sea. However, a slight westward adjustment in the storm’s path could bring it dangerously close to Batanes, raising concerns for potential impacts in the province.
Leon is expected to further intensify as it approaches Taiwan, with the potential to reach a typhoon category within 24 hours and possibly super typhoon status as it nears Batanes. Pagasa is closely monitoring the storm’s development, urging communities in Northern Luzon, particularly in Batanes, to prepare for intensified conditions as Leon reaches its peak.
Sea Condition and Marine Safety
Pagasa has issued Gale Warning No. 1 for Northern Luzon’s northern seaboard. Seas are forecast to be very rough, with waves reaching up to 5.5 meters near Batanes and Babuyan Islands and up to 5 meters along the eastern seaboards of Cagayan and Isabela. For smaller seacrafts, the current sea conditions pose a high risk, and all vessels, regardless of size, are advised to avoid sailing under these conditions.
Additional coastal areas expected to experience rough sea conditions include:
- Bicol Region: Northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, and eastern Albay and Sorsogon.
- Eastern Visayas and Northern Samar: Northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Samar.
- Polillo Islands: Northern and eastern seaboard.
Pagasa recommends that inexperienced mariners and those with smaller vessels refrain from sea travel and seek safe harbor.
Precautionary Measures
Local government units (LGUs) in affected areas are urged to activate disaster preparedness protocols, especially in Northern Luzon. Community advisories should be followed to mitigate risks, particularly in regions prone to flooding, landslides, and storm surges. Families in coastal and mountainous regions are advised to stay informed on the storm’s movement, adhere to any evacuation orders, and prepare emergency supplies.
Pagasa’s next update on Severe Tropical Storm Leon is scheduled for early tomorrow, with advisories expected to intensify if Leon upgrades to a typhoon overnight.