Tropical Storm Leon Raises Concerns in Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Leon (international name: Kong-Rey) has prompted the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 (TCWS No. 1) in parts of Cagayan, Isabela, and Catanduanes on Monday morning.

Affected Areas

The TCWS No. 1 was hoisted at 5 a.m. over:

• The eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Lal-Lo, Gattaran, Baggao, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, Peñablanca);
• The eastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Ilagan City, San Pablo, Cabagan, Tumauini, Palanan, San Mariano, Dinapigue); and
• The northeastern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga).

These areas are expected to experience strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h within the next 36 hours. While this poses a minimal to minor threat to life and property, residents in these areas are advised to take precautionary measures.

Storm Status and Movement

At 4 a.m. Monday, the center of Leon was located 840 km east of Central Luzon. It has maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 105 km/h, and central pressure of 990 hPa. Leon is moving westward at 10 km/h.

From its center, strong to gale-force winds extend outwards up to 520 km. PAGASA stated that Leon maintains its strength as it decelerates over the Philippine Sea.

Potential Rainfall and Winds

The outer rainbands of Leon may affect Extreme Northern Luzon depending on its proximity as it moves north northwestward over the Philippine Sea.

The trough or extension of Leon may also affect Visayas, Mindanao, and the western section of Southern Luzon.

PAGASA anticipates that the highest TCWS that may be raised for Leon is TCWS No. 2 or 3, but this is subject to change based on its trajectory.

Gusty conditions (strong to gale-force) may also affect the following areas, particularly coastal and upland regions exposed to winds, due to the wind flow toward Leon’s circulation: Batangas, most of MIMAROPA, most of Bicol Region, Visayas, most of Northern Mindanao, and most of Caraga Region.

Coastal Waters

Very rough seas are forecast over the seaboard of Batanes, making sea travel risky for all types or tonnage of vessels.

Rough seas may be expected over:

• the seaboard of Babuyan Islands and Isabela;
• the eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan;
• the seaboards of northern Aurora and Camarines Norte;
• the remaining seaboard of mainland Cagayan;
• the northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes; and
• the northeastern seaboards of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar

“Mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels,” PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, coastal waters will be moderate over:

• the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte;
• the remaining seaboard of Aurora and Northern Samar;
• the northern and eastern seaboards of Quezon including the remaining seaboards of Polillo islands;
• the eastern seaboards of Albay and Sorsogon; and
• the remaining seaboards of the country.

“Mariners of motorbancas and similarly-sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions,” PAGASA advised.

## Track and Intensity Outlook

“LEON is forecast to move westward for the next 12 hours before turning west northwestward tomorrow (29 October) early morning,” PAGASA said. It may pass closely over the area of Batanes by Wednesday or Thursday.

Leon is expected to make landfall over Taiwan by early morning of Friday, then head towards the East China Sea.

As for intensity, Leon may gradually intensify and become a severe tropical storm by Monday afternoon.

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

PAGASA advises the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.

The next bulletin will be issued by PAGASA at 11 a.m.

For the latest updates and advisories, please refer to official PAGASA channels and websites.